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Healthier Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs are a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations. Traditionally made with a combination of ground beef and pork, these savory meatballs are often served with a rich and creamy gravy. While undeniably delicious, traditional Swedish meatballs can be high in fat and calories, making them a less than ideal choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

30 mins

Additional Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

1 hr

Servings:

Yield:

4 servings

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ sweet onion, grated

1 pound ground sirloin

½ pound ground pork

¾ cup seasoned panko bread crumbs

1 egg

1 tablespoon milk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 dashes Worcestershire sauce, divided

4 ½ cups reduced-sodium beef broth, divided

1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary

¼ cup cornstarch

⅓ cup Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Saute onion in the hot oil until transparent, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 3

Combine ground sirloin, ground pork, bread crumbs, onion, egg, milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Form into 1-inch meatballs. Place onto a baking sheet.

Step 4

Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the centers, about 20 minutes.

Step 5

Pour 4 cups beef broth, soy sauce, rosemary, and remaining Worcestershire sauce into a large skillet. Bring to a simmer.

Step 6

Pour remaining beef broth into a measuring cup and whisk in cornstarch. Pour mixture into the sauce and stir until thickened. Add meatballs to the sauce and stir in Greek yogurt. Top with parsley and serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

442

Calories

22g

Fat

25g

Carbs

39g

Protein

Complement

However, with a few simple swaps and adjustments, it is possible to create a healthier version of this beloved dish. By using lean ground turkey or chicken in place of the more traditional meats, and opting for whole grain breadcrumbs and low-fat dairy products, it is possible to reduce the fat and calorie content of the meatballs without sacrificing flavor. Additionally, baking the meatballs instead of frying them can further reduce the overall fat content of the dish. By making these small changes, it is possible to enjoy the comforting and satisfying flavors of Swedish meatballs without compromising on health.