Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than these delicious homemade Swedish meatballs, inspired by the classic Betty Crocker touch. This recipe delivers tender, juicy meatballs swimming in a creamy, tangy gravy—perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Forget takeout; this quick dinner idea is healthier and far more satisfying than anything you'll find at a restaurant! It's the perfect blend of easy recipes and delicious dishes, guaranteed to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
-
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
-
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
Brown the meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and brown the meatballs on all sides. This step adds incredible depth of flavor. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
Make the gravy: Once the meatballs are browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux. Gradually whisk in the beef broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
Simmer and finish: Stir in the heavy cream, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Return the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they're mostly submerged in the gravy. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the gravy has thickened.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish.
Tips for the Best Swedish Meatballs:
- Don't overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing develops the gluten in the meat, resulting in tough meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs thoroughly: This step adds richness and depth of flavor to both the meatballs and the gravy.
- Simmer gently: Low and slow cooking ensures tender, juicy meatballs and a perfectly thickened gravy.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your preference.
Variations:
- Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for an earthy flavor.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy for a kick.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This recipe for Betty Crocker-inspired Swedish meatballs is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a testament to the power of homemade cooking. Enjoy this delicious and easy dish any time you crave a taste of home-cooked comfort food! It's a perfect addition to your collection of best recipes for healthy meals.