Venison Swedish Meatballs
Savory Swedish-inspired venison meatballs feature rich flavors of coffee, parsley, and seasoned broth, perfect for hearty dinners or special occasions with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground venison or half venison and half beef ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/4 cup parsley flakes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1 can beef broth ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cold water ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon butter ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- dash of nutmeg ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak bread crumbs in milk until softened.
- Cook chopped onion in 1 tablespoon butter until tender, not brown.
- Combine ground venison, soaked bread crumbs, egg, cooked onion, parsley flakes, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in a bowl.
- Form mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in a skillet with 2 tablespoons butter, shaking the skillet to keep them round.
- Remove meatballs from skillet and set aside.
- Mix flour with cold water and stir into drippings in the skillet to make a gravy.
- Add beef broth and instant coffee to the skillet, stirring well.
- Return meatballs to the skillet, heat through, and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter flavor, consider using half venison and half beef to balance the richness. If you're out of parsley flakes, fresh parsley works well too. To enhance the gravy's depth, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Always ensure your meatballs are browned properly for a nice crust. Soaking the bread crumbs in milk helps keep the meatballs moist, so don't skip that step.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these venison Swedish meatballs over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. A side of lingonberry sauce adds a lovely sweet-tart contrast. For a complete dinner, consider pairing with steamed green beans or a fresh salad. They also pair beautifully with French Boat Bread for soaking up the delicious gravy.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to keep them moist. You can also microwave them on a low setting, but be careful not to overcook, as this can dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Venison Swedish Meatballs contains roughly 1220 calories, with 27g protein, 236g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value), protein (54% of the Daily Value), and iron (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1313mg per serving (57% 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 use ground turkey instead of venison?
Yes, ground turkey can be a great substitute for venison. It will result in a lighter meatball, so consider adjusting seasonings to enhance flavor. You may also want to add a bit more fat, like olive oil, to keep the meatballs moist since turkey is leaner than venison.
How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or use ground oats. Ensure that the beef broth is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten. The rest of the ingredients should naturally be gluten-free, making this a delicious option for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I freeze the meatballs after cooking?
Absolutely! Once the meatballs and gravy have cooled, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm them gently in a skillet or microwave. This makes for a convenient meal option on busy days.
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).