Swedish Meatballs In Sauce

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Swedish

Juicy Swedish meatballs in a rich, savory sauce, perfect for comforting dinners and gatherings, combining tender meat with fresh herbs and classic flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 beaten egg
  • 1/4 c. milk
  • 3/4 c. soft bread crumbs
  • 1/2 c. finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 c. snipped or chopped parsley
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1/2 lb. ground beef
  • 1/2 lb. ground mild pork sausage

Instructions

  1. Mix the beaten egg, milk, bread crumbs, chopped onion, parsley, and pepper together in a bowl.
  2. Add the ground beef and ground pork sausage to the mixture and combine well with your hands.
  3. Form the mixture into 30 meatballs.
  4. Place the meatballs on an ungreased cookie sheet.
  5. Bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes, or until cooked inside (check by cutting one open).

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. If you don't have soft bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers or panko. For a lighter option, try substituting ground turkey for the beef and pork. Be careful not to overmix the meatballs, as this can make them tough.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Swedish meatballs with a creamy sauce over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. They also pair well with lingonberry sauce for a traditional touch. For a complete dinner, consider a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the meatballs.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of broth or sauce to prevent them from drying out, and heat on medium until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Swedish Meatballs In Sauce contains roughly 485 calories, with 20g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (50% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 613mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).

485 kcal 24% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 20g 40% DV
Total Fat 20.4g 26% DV
Carbs 56.7g 21% DV
Fiber 6g 21% DV
Sugar 4.4g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 613.1mg 27% DV
Potassium 1001.4mg 21% DV
Cholesterol 83.7mg 28% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 14.1mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 23.8mg 26% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 145.5mg 11% DV
Iron 9.1mg 50% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld. Alternatively, you can freeze them uncooked for up to three months; just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I use instead of pork sausage?

If you prefer not to use pork sausage, turkey sausage is a great alternative that will keep the meatballs moist and flavorful. You could also use a mixture of ground turkey and a bit of extra seasoning to mimic the flavor profile of sausage.

How can I make the sauce for the meatballs?

To make a simple sauce, you can use Basic Bouillon Gravy as a base. Just combine it with a bit of sour cream or heavy cream for creaminess. Heat the gravy in a pan, then add the cooked meatballs and simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

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).

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