SWEDISH MEATBALLS

Swedish meatballs are a delicious and cozy meal that is easy enough to prepare for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough for a special occasion.

  • SERVINGS: 4 Meatballs
  • PREP: 15 mins
  • COOK: 25 mins
  • TOTAL: 40 mins

INGREDIENTS

Meatballs

  • 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs ($0.20)
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg ($0.03)
  • 1/4 tsp allspice ($0.03)
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder ($0.02)
  • 1/4 tsp salt ($0.02)
  • 1/2 lb. ground pork ($0.99)
  • 1/2 lb. ground beef ($2.65)
  • 1 large egg, lightly whisked ($0.32)

Gravy

  • 4 Tbsp butter, divided ($0.60)
  • 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour ($0.03)
  • 2 cups beef broth* ($0.24)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce ($0.02)
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg ($0.01)
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream ($0.55)
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked pepper ($0.02)
  • 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish) ($0.10)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, nutmeg, allspice, garlic powder, and salt. (Note: Mixing the dry ingredients first will ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the meatballs and prevent you from overworking the meat mixture.)
  • Meanwhile, add the pork and beef to a large bowl. Lightly whisk the egg, then add it to the bowl with the meat. Lastly, add the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Use your hands to mix the meat and seasonings together until evenly combined, but avoid overmixing.
  • Divide and shape the meat mixture into 16 meatballs, about 1.5 Tbsp each.
  • Add 1 Tbsp of the butter to a large skillet and heat over medium. When the butter is melted and foaming, add the meatballs. Cook for a minute or two on each side, or until well browned. The meatballs do not need to be cooked through at this point.
  • Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet. Add the remaining 3 Tbsp butter and the flour. Whisk the butter and flour together as the butter melts. Cook the butter and flour mixture for about two minutes.
  • Slowly whisk in the beef broth, making sure to release all of the browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Allow the broth to come up to a simmer, at which point it will thicken.
  • Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, pepper, nutmeg, and heavy cream. Taste the gravy and adjust the salt or seasonings to your liking.
  • Return the meatballs to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Heat the meatballs over low, stirring occasionally, until heated through (about 5 minutes).
  • Serve the meatballs over mashed potatoes or egg noodles with a little chopped fresh parsley and cracked pepper for garnish.

NOTES

*We use Better Than Bouillon to make our broth. If using a low-sodium broth you may need to add more salt to the gravy for taste.

NUTRITION

  • Serving: 1serving
  • Calories: 545kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 44g
  • Sodium: 844mg
  • Fiber: 1g