Savory Gluten-Free Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy
This delicious gluten-free version of classic Swedish meatballs brings together a perfect blend of ground beef and turkey to create tender, juicy meatballs that are both flavorful and satisfying. By substituting breadcrumbs with cornmeal, we maintain a delightful texture, making them suitable for those on gluten-free diets. This recipe is a hit at family gatherings, and you can easily tailor the herbs and spices to suit your taste. The rich and creamy gravy, prepared with cream of celery soup and evaporated milk, clings perfectly to the meatballs, creating a delightful dish that is excellent served over steamed rice. Enjoy a comforting meal that caters to dietary needs without sacrificing flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
3/4 lb (raw)
Ground Turkey
3/4 lb (raw)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Pepper
2 tablespoons (freshly ground)
Seasoning Salt
1 tablespoon (to taste)
Garlic Powder
2 teaspoons (dry)
Chopped Onion
1/2 (finely chopped)
Cornmeal
1-2 cups (as needed)
Olive Oil
4 tablespoons (divided)
Tapioca Flour
5 tablespoons (dry)
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon (dry)
Water
1.5 cups (room temperature)
Cream of Celery Soup
10 ounces (canned)
Evaporated Milk
12 ounces (canned (or regular milk))
Salt and Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef and ground turkey.
2
Add the egg, followed by seasoning the mixture with seasoning salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.
3
Fold in the chopped onion and gradually add the cornmeal to the meat mixture, blending until fully combined. If the mixture feels too sticky, add extra cornmeal as needed.
4
Shape the mixture into approximately 40 meatballs, adjusting the size to your preference.
5
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Cook the meatballs for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they’re browned and no longer pink inside. Transfer cooked meatballs to a plate.
6
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil followed by tapioca flour and cornstarch. Stir until well mixed and thickened.
7
Gradually whisk in the water until the mixture is creamy, then add the cream of celery soup. Continue to whisk over medium heat for about 2 minutes until thickened.
8
Pour in the evaporated milk, stirring until fully incorporated. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed and season to your taste with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you enjoy.
9
Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer in the gravy for about 5 minutes to heat through.
10
Serve over steamed rice and savor the delightful flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these Swedish meatballs gluten-free?
The recipe uses cornmeal as a substitute for traditional breadcrumbs and utilizes tapioca flour and cornstarch for the gravy.
What types of meat are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses a blend of 3/4 lb ground beef and 3/4 lb ground turkey for a balanced flavor.
How many meatballs does this recipe produce?
The recipe makes approximately 40 meatballs, depending on your preferred size.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Cornmeal is used in this recipe to maintain a delightful texture while keeping the dish gluten-free.
What is the base of the creamy gravy?
The gravy is made from a combination of cream of celery soup, evaporated milk, water, tapioca flour, and cornstarch.
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
Yes, the recipe allows for the substitution of regular milk if evaporated milk is not available.
What should I serve these Swedish meatballs with?
These meatballs are excellent when served over a bed of steamed rice.
How do I prevent the meat mixture from being too sticky?
If the mixture feels too sticky, you can gradually add extra cornmeal until it reaches the desired consistency.
How long do I cook the meatballs in the skillet?
Cook the meatballs for about 6-8 minutes per side or until they are browned and cooked through.
What seasonings are used in the meat mixture?
The meat is seasoned with seasoning salt, freshly ground pepper, garlic powder, and finely chopped onion.
Is there an egg in this recipe?
Yes, one beaten egg is used as a binder for the meatball mixture.
What type of oil is recommended for frying?
The recipe recommends using 4 tablespoons of olive oil, divided between cooking the meatballs and making the gravy.
How do I thicken the Swedish meatball gravy?
The gravy is thickened using a mixture of tapioca flour and cornstarch stirred into olive oil.
What kind of canned soup is required?
The recipe calls for one 10-ounce can of cream of celery soup.
Can I adjust the herbs and spices?
Yes, the recipe is easily tailored to suit your personal taste by adding additional herbs or spices.
How long should the meatballs simmer in the gravy?
The meatballs should simmer in the gravy for about 5 minutes to ensure they are heated through.
What is the purpose of tapioca flour in this dish?
Tapioca flour serves as a gluten-free thickening agent for the rich and creamy sauce.
Is the onion cooked before being added to the meat?
No, the onion is finely chopped and folded into the raw meat mixture before shaping the meatballs.
What temperature should the water be for the gravy?
The recipe suggests using room temperature water when whisking it into the gravy mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a hit at family gatherings and is very family-friendly.
Can I use only ground beef?
While the recipe suggests a beef and turkey blend, you can substitute based on preference, though it may change the flavor profile.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of dry garlic powder for consistent flavoring throughout the meat.
How much seasoning salt is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of seasoning salt, which can be adjusted to taste.
How do I know when the gravy is ready?
The gravy is ready when it has been whisked over medium heat for about 2 minutes and has thickened to a creamy consistency.
What should the internal appearance of the cooked meatballs be?
The meatballs should be browned on the outside and no longer pink on the inside.
Can I add extra milk to the gravy?
Yes, you can adjust the consistency of the gravy with more milk if it becomes too thick.
What type of pepper is best for this recipe?
Freshly ground pepper is recommended for the best flavor in the meat mixture.
How much water is added to the sauce?
You should gradually whisk in 1.5 cups of water to create the creamy base.
Are these meatballs juicy?
Yes, the combination of ground beef and turkey is designed to create tender and juicy meatballs.