Savory Scandinavian Meatballs in Creamy Sauce
Indulge in these delectable Savory Scandinavian Meatballs, inspired by the beloved Ikea classic. Perfectly seasoned and wonderfully tender, these meatballs are made from a blend of ground beef, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs. They're lovingly simmered in a rich and creamy sauce that's sure to elevate your comfort food experience. Whether served over hot noodles or paired with mashed potatoes, this dish is an excellent choice for a cozy family dinner or gathering. Enjoy this taste of tradition right from your kitchen, and don't forget to share the joy!
4
Servings
200
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1 (lb)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Fine dry breadcrumbs
1/2 (cup)
Onions
2 (tablespoons, finely chopped)
Salt
3/4 (teaspoon)
Ground nutmeg
1/4 (teaspoon)
Vegetable oil
2 (tablespoons)
Cream cheese
6 (ounces, cubed (2 packages))
Milk
3/4 (cup)
Water
1/2 (cup)
Fresh parsley
2 (tablespoons, chopped)
Salt
1/8 (teaspoon)
Dried thyme
1/8 (teaspoon)
Hot cooked noodles
as desired (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, beaten egg, fine dry breadcrumbs, finely chopped onions, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and ground nutmeg. Use your hands or a spatula to mix the ingredients until just combined.
2
Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, making sure to pack them gently to keep them tender.
3
In a large heavy skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown them on all sides, turning as needed for even cooking. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
4
Carefully drain the skillet, reserving about 2 tablespoons of the drippings. Return the reserved drippings to the skillet over medium heat.
5
Add the cubed cream cheese to the skillet, followed by the milk, water, chopped parsley, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and dried thyme. Stir the mixture continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and thickened.
6
Once the sauce has thickened, return the browned meatballs to the skillet, gently coating them in the creamy sauce. Allow them to simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
7
Serve the savory meatballs hot over cooked noodles or mashed potatoes, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
13g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Scandinavian Meatballs?
Savory Scandinavian Meatballs are tender meatballs made from ground beef, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs, simmered in a rich cream cheese sauce inspired by the Ikea classic.
What ingredients are needed for the meatball mixture?
The meatball mixture requires 1 lb of ground beef, one beaten egg, 1/2 cup of fine dry breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onions, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What size should I make the meatballs?
The mixture should be shaped into 1-inch meatballs for even cooking and tenderness.
What is the base of the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made from 6 ounces of cubed cream cheese, 3/4 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of water, and reserved pan drippings.
Which spices give the meatballs their traditional Scandinavian flavor?
Ground nutmeg is the key spice used in the meat mixture to provide the traditional aromatic flavor.
How do I ensure the meatballs are tender?
To keep the meatballs tender, pack them gently when shaping and avoid over-mixing the ingredients.
What should I serve with Scandinavian Meatballs?
They are best served over hot cooked noodles or paired with mashed potatoes.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 12 grams of fat per serving.
What herbs are used in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley and 1/8 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How do I brown the meatballs?
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides in a single layer.
How much cream cheese is required for the sauce?
You will need 6 ounces of cream cheese, which is roughly equivalent to 2 small packages, cubed for easier melting.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 13 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 10 grams of protein.
Should I drain the skillet after browning the meat?
Yes, but you should reserve about 2 tablespoons of the drippings to use as a flavor base for the sauce.
How do I prevent the sauce from being lumpy?
Stir the mixture continuously over medium heat until the cream cheese fully melts and the sauce becomes smooth and thickened.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 14 ingredients in this recipe.
Is there egg in the meatball recipe?
Yes, one beaten egg is used to help bind the ground beef and breadcrumb mixture.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley.
Does the recipe use dried or fresh thyme?
The recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of dried thyme for the sauce.
What type of breadcrumbs are best?
Fine dry breadcrumbs are recommended for this recipe to achieve the correct meatball texture.
How much water is added to the sauce?
1/2 cup of water is mixed with the milk and cream cheese to form the sauce.
Is this a quick recipe?
Yes, with only 14 ingredients and straightforward skillet cooking, it is considered an easy recipe for dinner.
Should the meatballs simmer in the sauce?
Yes, return the browned meatballs to the skillet once the sauce is ready and let them simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
What type of pan should I use?
A large heavy skillet is recommended for even browning and to accommodate all the meatballs and sauce.
Can I use onion powder instead of fresh onions?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh onions for the best flavor and texture.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include meatballs, swedish, comfort food, ikea copycat, creamy sauce, and easy recipe.
How much milk is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of milk for the sauce.
Can I garnish the dish?
Yes, you can garnish the finished dish with additional fresh parsley if desired.