Swedish Meatballs Ii
Swedish meatballs in a rich, savory gravy with warm spices, perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions with a classic Scandinavian flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine crumbled bread, minced onion, salt, nutmeg, and 3/4 cup milk in a large bowl. Let stand for 10 minutes, then stir in ground beef until well blended.
- Form the meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
- In a large frying pan, brown the meatballs in margarine until cooked through. Remove with a draining spoon and place in a baking dish.
- In the same pan, blend flour into the drippings and cook lightly, then stir in beef broth, 1/2 cup milk, and water.
- Cook until the mixture thickens into a thin gravy.
- Pour the gravy over the meatballs and bake in a 325°F oven for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful meatball, consider adding minced garlic or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also use whole wheat bread instead of white to increase fiber. To save time, use pre-made breadcrumbs instead of crumbling your own.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Swedish meatballs over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice for a hearty meal. Complement them with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for balance. These meatballs are also delicious served with lingonberry sauce or cranberry sauce, which adds a sweet-tart contrast to the savory flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered, in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Meatballs Ii contains roughly 1098 calories, with 23g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (61% of the Daily Value), calcium (51% of the Daily Value), and protein (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1940mg per serving (84% 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 freeze the meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs before or after baking. To freeze uncooked meatballs, place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. For cooked meatballs, store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I use instead of margarine?
If you prefer, you can substitute butter for margarine for a richer flavor. For a dairy-free option, use olive oil or a plant-based margarine. Alternatively, ghee can be used for a nutty taste, which works well with the spices in the dish.
How can I make the gravy thicker?
To thicken the gravy, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering gravy until it thickens. Another option is to let the gravy simmer longer, which will reduce and naturally thicken the sauce.
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).