Bjarne's Norwegian Meatballs

5.0
(8)
7 Reviews
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Both of my parents are Norwegian. Growing up, my mom used to make these meatballs. Later in life, my dad took over the meal prep and he became a great cook. My mom did a good job, but my dad perfected the recipe. I think of him every time I make these Norwegian meatballs now.

Submitted by Debbie22
Updated on July 17, 2024
Norwegian meatballs
5
5
5
5
Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
40 mins
Additional Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 30 mins
Servings:
12
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

Meatballs:

  • ¾ cup plain bread crumbs

  • ½ cup milk

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 large onion, grated

  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

  • 1 tablespoon salt

  • 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg

  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic (Optional)

  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper

  • 3 pounds 85% lean ground beef

Gravy:

  • 3 tablespoons butter

  • 2 tablespoons minced onion

  • 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 4 cups beef broth

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • 1 dash cayenne pepper

  • 1 dash white pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a jelly roll pan.

  2. Combine bread crumbs, milk, eggs, onion, ginger, salt, nutmeg, garlic, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Let stand until bread crumbs absorb milk, about 5 minutes. Stir until just mixed and add ground beef. Mix until well blended. Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on the prepared pan.

  3. Bake in the preheated oven until browned, about 18 minutes. Set meatballs aside.

  4. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onion until tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in flour and cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Slowly add broth; cook and stir gravy until smooth and thickened, 5 to 10 minutes. Blend in cream, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.

  5. Gently stir cooked meatballs into gravy and heat through, but do not boil, about 5 minutes more.

Cook’s Note

You can make your own bread crumbs by using 7 slices of white bread with the crusts removed.

You can use margarine in place of butter.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

351 Calories
22g Fat
10g Carbs
26g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 351
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22g 28%
Saturated Fat 10g 51%
Cholesterol 132mg 44%
Sodium 1004mg 44%
Total Carbohydrate 10g 4%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 26g 52%
Vitamin C 1mg 2%
Calcium 58mg 4%
Iron 3mg 16%
Potassium 400mg 9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.