Nordic Meatball Stew with Dill Cream Sauce
A hearty meatball stew with tender pork meatballs simmered in a savory broth, finished with a tangy dill cream sauce reminiscent of Scandinavian flavors. This Scandinavian-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 medium, peeled and sliced carrots
- 2, sliced celery stalks
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, soak 1/3 cup breadcrumbs in 1/4 cup milk for 5 minutes until softened. Add 1 lb ground pork, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup minced onion, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until combined but not overworked.
- Step 2: Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes total. Remove meatballs and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same pot, add 2 sliced medium carrots and 2 sliced celery stalks, sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Step 6: Gradually whisk in 4 cups chicken broth, scraping the brown bits from the pot, and bring to a simmer.
- Step 7: Return the meatballs to the pot and simmer gently for 20 minutes until cooked through and the broth thickens slightly.
- Step 8: Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1/2 cup sour cream and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Step 9: Adjust salt and pepper to taste, then serve the stew warm with crusty bread or boiled potatoes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Nordic Meatball Stew with Dill Cream Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Nordic Meatball Stew with Dill Cream Sauce?
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 pork from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Nordic Meatball Stew with Dill Cream Sauce?
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 Nordic Meatball Stew with Dill Cream Sauce 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 Nordic Meatball Stew with Dill Cream Sauce?
Scandinavian 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.
