Swedish Rice Meat Balls
Swedish Rice Meat Balls are tender, flavorful meatballs blended with rice and spices, simmered in a creamy mushroom or celery sauce—perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cooked rice, ground beef, egg, minced onion, salt, nutmeg, pepper, and milk. Mix lightly and shape into balls.
- Place the meatballs in a skillet.
- Blend the cream of mushroom or celery soup with water and lemon juice.
- Pour the soup mixture over the meatballs and bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, basting occasionally.
- Serve with rice or noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding garlic or herbs like parsley to the meat mixture. If you're out of cream of mushroom or celery soup, try using a homemade white sauce or another canned soup for a different flavor profile. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Ensure the rice is fully cooked before mixing to maintain the proper consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Swedish Rice Meat Balls over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles for a hearty meal. Consider pairing them with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a balanced plate. They also pair beautifully with Swedish Meat Balls In Cranberry Sauce for a festive touch. For a comforting finish, serve with a warm bowl of Rich And Simple French Onion Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, and heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them covered, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Rice Meat Balls contains roughly 1042 calories, with 29g protein, 173g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (210% of the Daily Value), protein (58% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1947mg per serving (85% 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 and shape the meatballs a day in advance. Just refrigerate them until you're ready to cook. This can enhance the flavors as they sit. When ready to cook, simply follow the instructions for simmering in the soup mixture.
What can I use instead of Minute rice?
If you prefer, you can use regular long-grain rice or even brown rice. Just make sure to cook it according to package instructions before adding it to the meat mixture. This will maintain the texture and flavor of the dish.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, these meatballs freeze well. After cooking, let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then heat in a skillet or microwave.
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).