Scandinavian Beef Meatball Stew with Dill Cream Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-08-03 · Updated 2026-08-03

Hearty Scandinavian-style meatball stew with tender beef meatballs in a savory broth, finished with a cooling dill cream sauce. This Northern European-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs ground beef, white onion, bread crumbs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 small, finely chopped white onion
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 medium, sliced carrots
• 2 medium, diced potatoes
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill

The Dutch oven we’d braise this in → Best Dutch Ovens for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1 small finely chopped white onion, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Step 2: Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, about 24 total.
3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides for about 5 minutes, then remove and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same pot, add 4 cups beef broth, 2 sliced medium carrots, and 2 diced medium potatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
5. Step 5: Return the browned meatballs to the pot and simmer for an additional 15 minutes until vegetables are tender and meatballs are cooked through.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup sour cream with 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Stir half into the stew just before serving and use the rest as a garnish for a cooling, creamy finish.