There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of Swedish meatballs. Perhaps it’s the way they’re smothered in that creamy sauce, or maybe it’s the flavorsome meatballs themselves, so full of taste and character. Or maybe it’s both! Whatever it is, this dish is a firm favorite in my household, and I’m thrilled to share my quick and easy recipe with you. Swedish meatballs, or ‘köttbullar’, as they’re known in Sweden, have a long and rich history. They were made popular globally by IKEA, but their roots go much deeper, reaching back into the traditional Scandinavian cuisine. These little meaty delights are often served with lingonberry sauce, potatoes, or even pasta in some regions. As for the cooking process, it’s all about balancing the ingredients perfectly. The meatballs themselves are a delightful blend of ground beef and aromatic spices, while the key to the sauce is the stroganoff mix, which gives it that unique, creamy taste. What I particularly love about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences, and the cooking process is straightforward enough for anyone to follow. And the best part? It’s quick! Perfect for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence but you still want a hearty, satisfying meal. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 c. soft bread crumbs
- 1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
- 1/4 c. dry onion soup mix
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
- 1 1/2 c. milk
- 1 pkg. stroganoff sauce mix
Cooking Method
- Combine meat, bread crumbs, cheese, soup mix, seasonings and 1/4 cup milk; mix thoroughly (with hands).
- Form into small balls. Brown lightly; remove to a baking dish.
- Drain excess grease, leaving small amount in skillet.
- Blend in sauce mix and remaining milk (add more or less milk for desired thickness).
- Cook until thick and bubbly.
- Pour over meat balls.
- Bake in a 350° oven for 30 to 45 minutes.
Calorie: 500
Total cooking time: 1 hour
Difficulty level: Easy
The Saga of the Quick Swedish Meatballs
There’s nothing quite like the tantalizing aroma of **ground beef** sizzling in a skillet, especially when it’s bound for greatness as a Swedish meatball. Now, I’m no Swedish chef, but I’ve been through enough culinary misadventures (oops, I mean, *experiences*) to know that when ground beef, **bread crumbs**, and **cream cheese** unite, something delicious is about to happen.
The Assembly of the Mighty Meatball
First things first, it’s time to get down and dirty. This involves combining the ground beef, bread crumbs, cream cheese, **onion soup** mix, **salt**, **nutmeg**, and a splash of **milk** in a bowl. Then, you’re going to mix it by hand. Yes, you heard that right. By hand. It’s a squishy, surreal experience that reminds you of your mud pie days in kindergarten. Except this time, you’re allowed to eat your creation. I promise, it’s a lot tastier than mud.
Formation of the Meatball Battalion
Once the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, it’s time to form them into small balls. I like to pretend I’m a sculptor, crafting petite masterpieces out of meat. But remember, you’re not going for a Michelangelo’s David here. Small and round will do just fine.
Battle of the Browning Skillet
Next, you’ll need to brown these little globes of deliciousness lightly and then transfer them to a baking dish. Be careful not to get too attached to them at this stage. Remember, they’re for eating, not for petting.
The Great Sauce Mix-Up
Now, don’t forget about that grease left in the skillet. It’s time to make use of it by blending in the **stroganoff sauce mix** and the remaining milk. You can add more or less milk depending on how thick you want your sauce to be. Then, cook it until it’s thick and bubbly, like a good gossip session.
The Final Showdown in the Oven
Once your sauce is ready, it’s time to pour it over the meatballs. Now they’re ready for their final journey into the oven. Set it at 350° and let them bake for 30 to 45 minutes.
And voila! You’ve just conquered the quick Swedish meatballs recipe! Grab a fork and dig into your succulent, saucy meatballs. Don’t forget to share with your friends, or don’t, I won’t judge. These meatballs are just too good to resist.
The Aftermath
In the end, the dishes may be piled high, and there might be sauce splattered across your kitchen, but the taste of those quick Swedish meatballs will make it all worthwhile. The next time you’re in the mood for a culinary victory, just remember the tale of these fabulous meatballs. Now, go forth and cook!
