Scandinavian Meatballs with Lingonberry Sauce
Juicy, savory meatballs simmered in a tangy lingonberry sauce, served with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting Nordic feast. This scandinavian-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes blends pound ground beef, pound ground pork, breadcrumbs into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup, finely diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon, chopped dill
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup lingonberry jam
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon flour
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 pound ground pork, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup milk, 1/2 cup finely diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon chopped dill, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently with hands until combined, then form into 1.5-inch meatballs.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and brown on all sides (about 5 minutes total), turning occasionally.
- Step 3: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup lingonberry jam, 1/2 cup beef broth, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Simmer over medium heat for 2 minutes, then stir in 1 tablespoon flour mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water to thicken. Simmer 2 more minutes until glossy.
- Step 4: Pour sauce over meatballs in skillet, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and sauce thickens.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Scandinavian Meatballs with Lingonberry Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Scandinavian Meatballs with Lingonberry Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Scandinavian Meatballs with Lingonberry 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 Meatballs with Lingonberry 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 Scandinavian Meatballs with Lingonberry 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
