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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
