By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on June 18, 2023 | Last Updated on July 5, 2023
Did you ever try the most popular dish, “Barefoot Contessa Swedish Meatballs”? If not, now is your time. This dish is one of the most widely loved dishes in Swedish cuisine. It has become popular in many other countries as well, due to its delicious flavor and versatility.
In this article, you will learn about the famous Barefoot Contessa Swedish Meatballs recipe, as well as some cooking tips and nutrition information. Let’s get started!
What Is Barefoot Contessa Swedish Meatballs?
Barefoot Contessa Swedish Meatballs a classic dish in Swedish cuisine has gained popularity around to its delicious flavor. It consists of ground beef and pork, mixed with eggs, garlic, panko breadcrumbs, milk, flour, salt, and pepper.
The mix is then shaped into balls and baked in the oven until cooked through. It’s usually served over egg noodles with a dollop of grape or red-current jelly and some chopped parsley for added flavor.
Where Did I First Try Barefoot Contessa Swedish Meatballs?
I first tried Barefoot Contessa Swedish Meatballs while visiting Sweden. I was in Stockholm for a few days and decided to visit a relative there. She was a big fan of Barefoot Contessa recipes, so I thought it was a great opportunity to try out one of her favorite dishes.
When we arrived at her house, she had already prepared a delicious spread of Swedish dishes. Among them was the Barefoot Contessa Swedish Meatballs. I couldn’t believe how tasty they were!
The mix of ground beef and pork was perfectly spiced and juicy, enveloped in a flavorful sauce that had been simmered with butter and beef broth.
I immediately knew why this dish was so popular. The Barefoot Contessa Swedish Meatballs were simply delicious! I could see why my relative had made them so often. From then on, whenever I visited Sweden, I would always be sure to make a stop at her house for some of those amazing meatballs.
You can also read the following appetizer recipes:
- Recipe of Pioneer Woman Date Nut Bread
- Recipe of Pioneer Woman Prime Rib Soup
- Recipe for Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole
Ingredients
- Beef chuck: You will need great quality ground beef chuck. This is the key to a delicious Swedish meatball!
- Pork: You will need high-quality ground pork for this recipe.
- Eggs: The eggs will act as a binder and help keep the meatballs together while cooking.
- Garlic cloves: Minced garlic adds flavor and aroma to these meatballs.
- Panko: Use Panko breadcrumbs for best results. Also, it will give your meatballs the perfect texture.
- Whole milk: Milk helps keep the meatballs moist and juicy while cooking.
- All-purpose flour: Flour acts as a binding agent in this recipe. It also helps form a crispy crust on the outside of the meatballs.
- Salt and pepper: Use coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Allspice: Allspice adds a subtle but distinctive flavor to the meatballs.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for this recipe to control the sodium content in your dish.
- Canned reduced-sodium beef broth: This will provide flavor and moisture while the meatballs are cooking.
- Grape or red-current jelly, cooked egg noodles, chopped parsley: These are for serving.
Cooking Directions
Step 1
You need to preheat the oven to 475 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork, eggs, garlic, panko, milk, flour, 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper each, and allspice.
Step 2
Mix together until well combined. Grease an 8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them in the baking dish.
Step 3
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through. While the meatballs are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 4
Add in the butter and when it is melted, add in beef broth. Bring to a simmer and then reduce heat to low.
Step 5
Once the meatballs are done baking, add them to the skillet with the broth. Simmer for 8-10 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 6
Serve over cooked egg noodles with a dollop of grape or red-current jelly and some chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Tips
• Make sure to use high-quality ground beef and pork for the best results.
• Bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 475 degrees F for 30 minutes or until cooked through.
• Simmer the cooked meatballs in the beef broth with butter until most of the liquid is absorbed.
• Serve the meatballs over egg noodles and with a dollop of grape or red-current jelly and some chopped parsley, if desired.
What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?
• If you do not eat pork, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken. However, the texture and flavor will be different.
• If you are unable to find Panko breadcrumbs, use regular unseasoned breadcrumbs instead.
• You can replace the egg noodles with cooked rice for a gluten-free option.
• If you do not have canned reduced-sodium beef broth, you can use homemade beef stock.
• For a vegan option, replace the butter with extra-virgin olive oil and use vegetable stock as the liquid for simmering.
Barefoot Contessa Swedish Meatballs
Equipment
- large skillet
- Large Bowl
- Baking dish, etc
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound of artisanal ground beef chuck a savory delight from pasture-raised cattle
- 1/2 pound of premium ground pork a velvety addition for richness
- 1 1/2 cups of panko the Japanese breadcrumbs for a delicate crunch
- 1 garlic clove finely minced for a pungent dance
- 1 large egg lightly beaten, a golden orb from free-range hens
- 2 tablespoons of artisanal all-purpose flour sifted for a silky texture
- 3/4 cup of whole milk a creamy elixir to bind the flavors
- 1/8 teaspoon of exotic ground allspice a fragrant hint from distant lands
- 1 1/2 cups of canned reduced-sodium beef broth a liquid gold extracted from simmering bones
- Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper a symphony for perfect seasoning
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of golden butter a velvety kiss for richness
- Grape or red-currant jelly a jewel-like essence for sweetness
- Cooked egg noodles a tender nest for the savory meatballs
- Chopped parsley a verdant confetti for a burst of freshness
Instructions
- You need to preheat the oven to 475 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork, eggs, garlic, panko, milk, flour, 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper each, and allspice.
- Mix together until well combined. Grease an 8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them in the baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through. While the meatballs are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add in the butter and when it is melted, add in beef broth. Bring to a simmer and then reduce heat to low.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, add them to the skillet with the broth. Simmer for 8-10 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Serve over cooked egg noodles with a dollop of grape or red-current jelly and some chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to use high-quality ground beef and pork for the best results.
- Bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 475 degrees F for 30 minutes or until cooked through.
- Simmer the cooked meatballs in the beef broth with butter until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Serve the meatballs over egg noodles and with a dollop of grape or red-current jelly and some chopped parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Information
One serving of Barefoot Contessa Swedish Meatballs contains about
- 320 calories,
- 17g fat,
- 22g protein,
- 10g carbohydrates,
- 1g fiber, and
- 840mg sodium.
- Iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
How to Store Leftover Barefoot Contessa Swedish Meatballs?
Leftover Barefoot Contessa Swedish Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to three days. They can also be frozen for up to two months, but make sure to thaw them overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can safely eat Barefoot Contessa Swedish Meatballs. This dish is made with ingredients that are safe for pregnant women to consume as long as they are cooked thoroughly.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and pork?
Yes, you can substitute beef and pork with ground turkey or chicken. However, the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko?
Yes, you can use regular unseasoned breadcrumbs instead of Panko. However, the texture and flavor may not be as good.
Is this dish gluten-free?
No, Barefoot Contessa Swedish Meatballs are not gluten-free as they contain wheat flour and Panko breadcrumbs. If you are gluten-intolerant, you can substitute the egg noodles with cooked rice and use a gluten-free broth to simmer the meatballs.
Wrapping Up
So, do you think you can make this dish at home? It is very easy and quick to prepare and definitely worth a try! Barefoot Contessa Swedish Meatballs is a classic dish in Swedish cuisine that has gained popularity around the world due to its delicious flavor. It consists of healthy herbs and spices.
You Might Also Like These Recipes!
- Recipe for Yard House Lobster Garlic Noodles
- Chicken Patty on a Bun Copycat Recipe
- Recipe of Greek Potatoes Jamie Oliver
My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
