Lingonberry-Simmered Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef and pork meatballs slow-cooked in a sweet-tart lingonberry sauce, paired with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting Swedish classic. This Swedish-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs ground beef, ground pork, finely grated onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 445 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Swedish cuisine 445 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 12 oz ground beef, 4 oz ground pork, 1/2 cup grated onion, 1/4 cup whole milk, 1 large egg, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix gently with hands until just incorporated, avoiding overworking.
  2. Step 2: Form mixture into 24 small 1-inch meatballs and place on a plate.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides for 5 minutes, turning gently.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 2 tbsp all-purpose flour over meatballs, stir to coat, then add 1 cup lingonberry sauce and 1/2 cup beef broth. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and simmer for 5 more minutes until sauce coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lingonberry-Simmered Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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-Simmered Meatballs with 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-Simmered Meatballs with 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-Simmered Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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-Simmered Meatballs with 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.

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