Swedish Meatballs Deluxe
Swedish Meatballs Deluxe offers a comforting blend of flavors with tender meatballs, a rich tomato sauce, and a hint of sweetness from the applesauce. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this dish is sure to please both meat lovers and those seeking a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine hamburger, bread crumbs, applesauce, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl and form into balls. Roll in flour and brown in hot oil.
- Add chopped onion, celery, green pepper, grated carrot, tomato hot sauce, and enough tomato juice to cover the meatballs.
- Simmer for about 45 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger. If you don't have bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oats can work as a binder. To enhance flavor, try adding a teaspoon of allspice or nutmeg. When browning the meatballs, ensure the oil is hot enough to achieve a nice crust without burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Swedish Meatballs Deluxe over a bed of egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. Pair with steamed green beans or a fresh salad for a balance of flavors. This dish also pairs beautifully with German Potato Salad for a delightful spread. Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat with a bit of sauce until warmed through, or microwave for a couple of minutes. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Meatballs Deluxe contains roughly 434 calories, with 13g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (149% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (76% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1679mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and cook them, then store them in the sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently before serving. Alternatively, uncooked meatballs can be frozen and cooked directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time.
What can I use instead of applesauce?
If you don’t have applesauce, mashed bananas or pureed pumpkin can be used as a substitute to maintain moisture. You can also try using yogurt for a tangy twist, but adjust the spices to balance the flavors.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, you can remove the meatballs once cooked and simmer the sauce uncovered until it reduces to your desired consistency. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce, cooking until thickened.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).