Lingonberry Meatballs with Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Juicy pan-fried Swedish meatballs served with a rich cream sauce and traditional tart lingonberry jam, accompanied by smooth mashed potatoes. This Swedish-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, pairs ground beef, ground pork, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 small, finely diced yellow onion
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup lingonberry jam
- 2 lbs, peeled and quartered potatoes
- 1/2 cup whole milk (for potatoes)
- 1 tsp salt (for potatoes)
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1/2 cup breadcrumbs in a small bowl and soak with 1/4 cup whole milk for 5 minutes until softened. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground pork, 1 small finely diced yellow onion, soaked breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly but gently.
- Step 2: Form the mixture into 24 small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add meatballs in batches and cook for 6-7 minutes turning occasionally until evenly browned and cooked through. Remove meatballs and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt remaining 1 tbsp butter, stir in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, and cook for 1 minute until golden and nutty. Gradually whisk in 2 cups beef broth and 1/2 cup heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Return meatballs to the sauce and simmer gently for 5 more minutes to absorb flavors.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, place 2 lbs peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, add 1 tsp salt, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain and mash with 1/2 cup whole milk and 2 tbsp butter until smooth and creamy.
- Step 6: Serve the meatballs in cream sauce alongside the mashed potatoes, garnished with 1/3 cup lingonberry jam on the side for a traditional Swedish touch.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lingonberry Meatballs with Creamy Mashed Potatoes take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Lingonberry Meatballs with Creamy Mashed Potatoes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lingonberry Meatballs with Creamy Mashed Potatoes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lingonberry Meatballs with Creamy Mashed Potatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lingonberry Meatballs with Creamy Mashed Potatoes?
Swedish beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
