Thelma Ellison'S Norwegian Meatballs
Juicy Norwegian meatballs seasoned with subtle spices and cooked in a savory gravy, perfect for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests with classic Scandinavian flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat beef, egg, cracker crumbs, milk, celery salt, pepper, nutmeg, and minced onion with an electric mixer at high speed until mixture is very smooth and light.
- Dip hands in cold water and shape the meat mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Melt butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat.
- Add meatballs without crowding and cook until browned, shaking the pan occasionally to brown evenly.
- Remove meatballs from skillet with a slotted spoon.
- Stir flour into the pan drippings until smooth.
- Cook for 3 minutes until browned, stirring constantly.
- Stir in beef broth and cook, stirring, until slightly thickened.
- Return meatballs to the skillet.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer about 15 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef. You can use crushed saltines instead of cracker crumbs if needed. For added flavor, try incorporating fresh parsley or dill into the meat mixture. If you prefer a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added. This recipe pairs beautifully with Bobbie'S French Onion Soup as a starter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Norwegian meatballs over a bed of egg noodles or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious gravy. A side of steamed green beans or a crisp salad complements this dish perfectly. For a cozy meal, consider pairing it with Christmas Eve Smothered Beef for a hearty dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place meatballs in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth to keep them moist. Cover the pan to ensure even heating. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thelma Ellison'S Norwegian Meatballs contains roughly 730 calories, with 4g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 cooking. To freeze uncooked meatballs, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. For cooked meatballs, ensure they are cooled completely before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed.
What can I use instead of beef broth?
If you don't have beef broth, you can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. For a richer taste, consider using homemade broth if available. You can also add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the umami flavor.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
To ensure your meatballs are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check that they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). Alternatively, cut one meatball in half; it should be no longer pink in the center and the juices should run clear.
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).