Savory Vegetarian Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
These Savory Vegetarian Swedish Meatballs are a delightful twist on the classic dish, reimagined for plant-based enthusiasts. Combining the meaty textures of vegetarian ground beef with aromatic garlic, onions, and a hint of soy sauce, these meatballs are packed with flavor.The dish is generously smothered in a rich and creamy mushroom sauce, creating a perfect harmony of tastes that even carnivores will appreciate. Served alongside fluffy mashed potatoes and crisp brussel sprouts, this meal is both comforting and wholesome. Experience the nostalgia of Swedish meatballs without the meat!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetarian ground beef
1 lb (Use a brand like Lightlife Gimme Lean Ground Beef Style, do not use crumbles.)
Soy sauce
2 teaspoons (For extra flavor in the mixture.)
Olive oil
4 tablespoons (Use for mixing and cooking the meatballs.)
Garlic cloves
2 (Chopped.)
Egg or egg substitute
1 (Acting as a binder.)
Bread
2 slices (Crumble into small pieces.)
Onion
1 medium (Chopped fine.)
Milk
2-4 tablespoons (Add for moisture in the mixture, plus 10.5 ounces for the sauce.)
Low-fat cream of mushroom soup
2 cans (10.5 ounces each) (Used for the sauce.)
Oil for cooking
As needed (For frying the meatballs.)
Salt and pepper
To taste (For seasoning.)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine vegetarian ground beef, soy sauce, olive oil, chopped garlic, egg (or egg substitute), crumbled bread, chopped onion, and 2-4 tablespoons of milk. Mix until well blended, using your hands for best results.
2
The mixture should be sticky and hold together when rolled into balls. If too dry, add a bit more milk.
3
Shape the mixture into meatballs, approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter.
4
In a skillet, heat a thin layer of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the meatballs to the pan. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
5
While the meatballs are cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6
In a large casserole dish, combine one can of cream of mushroom soup with half a can of milk, mixing well.
7
Once the meatballs are browned, place them in the casserole dish on top of the soup mixture.
8
In a separate bowl, mix the remaining can of cream of mushroom soup with another half can of milk and pour it over the meatballs, ensuring they are well covered.
9
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
10
Serve hot with mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts, using the extra sauce as a delicious gravy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein source for these Swedish meatballs?
The primary protein source is 1 lb of vegetarian ground beef, specifically a style that can be shaped like Lightlife Gimme Lean.
Can I use meatless crumbles instead of ground beef style substitute?
No, the recipe specifies not to use crumbles as they will not hold the shape required for meatballs.
What acts as the binder in this recipe?
One egg or an egg substitute combined with two slices of crumbled bread acts as the binder.
How much soy sauce is added to the meatballs?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of soy sauce to provide extra flavor.
What size should the meatballs be rolled into?
The meatballs should be approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter.
How should the onion be prepared?
One medium onion should be chopped fine for inclusion in the meatball mixture.
What should I do if the meatball mixture is too dry?
If the mixture is too dry, you can add 2-4 tablespoons of milk to achieve a sticky consistency.
Do I need to brown the meatballs before baking?
Yes, cook them in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How is the creamy mushroom sauce made?
The sauce is made by mixing two 10.5-ounce cans of low-fat cream of mushroom soup with milk.
How much milk is needed for the sauce?
A total of 10.5 ounces of milk (half a can per can of soup) is used for the sauce.
How should the meatballs be arranged in the casserole dish?
Place the browned meatballs on top of the first layer of soup mixture, then pour the remaining sauce over them.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, the casserole dish should be covered with aluminum foil during the baking process.
How long do the meatballs bake in the oven?
The meatballs should bake for 1 to 1.5 hours.
What are the recommended side dishes?
The recipe suggests serving the meatballs with mashed potatoes and crisp brussel sprouts.
Is garlic used in this recipe?
Yes, two chopped garlic cloves are included in the meatball mixture.
Can I use this recipe for a plant-based diet?
Yes, the recipe is specifically designed for plant-based and vegetarian enthusiasts.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of olive oil for mixing and cooking.
What type of soup is used for the gravy?
Low-fat cream of mushroom soup is used to create the creamy sauce.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including salt and pepper.
What should the consistency of the meatball mixture be?
The mixture should be sticky and hold together when rolled into balls.
Can I use an egg substitute?
Yes, an egg substitute can be used as a binder instead of a standard egg.
Why is browning the meatballs important?
Browning adds flavor and helps the meatballs maintain their structure before they are baked in the sauce.
Is this a traditional Swedish meatball recipe?
It is a vegetarian twist on the classic Swedish meatball dish, reimagined with plant-based ingredients.
How do I serve the extra sauce?
The extra sauce from the casserole dish should be used as a delicious gravy over the meatballs and potatoes.
Can I use any type of bread?
The recipe calls for 2 slices of bread, crumbled into small pieces.
Should I add salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to taste for seasoning.
Does this recipe include mushrooms?
While it uses cream of mushroom soup for the sauce, fresh mushrooms are not explicitly listed as a separate ingredient.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is described as a nostalgic, wholesome meal.
How do I prevent overcrowding the pan?
The instructions suggest browning the meatballs in batches if necessary.