Scandinavian Beef Meatball Stew with Dill Cream Sauce

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

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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 Northern European cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Scandinavian Beef 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 Scandinavian Beef 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 beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Scandinavian Beef 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 Scandinavian Beef Meatball Stew with Dill Cream Sauce 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 Scandinavian Beef Meatball Stew with Dill Cream Sauce?

Northern European 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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