Best 8 Best Norwegian Meatball Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

**Discover the Delights of Norwegian Meatballs: A Culinary Journey Through Traditional and Modern Recipes**

Norwegian meatballs, known as kjøttboller, are a beloved dish that embodies the essence of Norwegian cuisine. These tender and flavorful spheres of ground meat are a staple in many Norwegian homes, often served during special occasions and family gatherings. Our collection of recipes takes you on a culinary journey, showcasing both traditional and modern interpretations of this classic dish.

**Traditional Norwegian Meatballs:**
1. **Authentic Kjøttboller:** Experience the timeless flavors of traditional Norwegian meatballs with this classic recipe. Ground beef and pork are combined with a blend of spices, breadcrumbs, and milk, creating a juicy and succulent meatball. Served with a rich gravy and lingonberry jam, this dish is a true taste of Norway.
2. **Grandma's Meatballs:** Embark on a nostalgic trip with Grandma's meatballs, a cherished family recipe passed down through generations. These meatballs are characterized by their tender texture, achieved through a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal. The addition of fresh herbs and spices adds a layer of complexity, while the creamy gravy provides a comforting embrace.

**Modern Takes on Norwegian Meatballs:**
1. **Sweet and Tangy Meatballs:** Elevate your taste buds with these sweet and tangy meatballs, a delightful fusion of Norwegian tradition and Asian flavors. Ground chicken or turkey is combined with ginger, garlic, and a touch of soy sauce, creating a savory and umami-rich meatball. The sweet and tangy sauce, made with pineapple, brown sugar, and vinegar, adds a vibrant contrast.
2. **Meatballs with Mushroom Sauce:** Indulge in the earthy flavors of this recipe, where juicy meatballs are enveloped in a creamy mushroom sauce. Ground beef and pork are seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, then pan-fried to perfection. The rich and velvety mushroom sauce, made with sautéed mushrooms, cream, and white wine, elevates the meatballs to a gourmet level.
3. **Baked Meatballs with Sweet Potato Mash:** Discover a healthier and equally satisfying version of Norwegian meatballs with this baked recipe. Ground turkey or chicken is combined with roasted sweet potatoes, creating a nutritious and flavorful meatball. The meatballs are baked in the oven, resulting in a tender and juicy texture. Served with a dollop of sweet potato mash, this dish is a wholesome and delicious choice.

From traditional family recipes to modern culinary creations, our collection of Norwegian meatball recipes caters to diverse tastes and preferences. Embark on a culinary adventure, explore the different flavors and textures, and find your favorite way to enjoy this Norwegian delicacy.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

AUTHENTIC NORWEGIAN KJøTTKAKER MEATBALLS



Authentic Norwegian Kjøttkaker Meatballs image

These old fashioned Norwegian meatballs are authentic; the real deal.

Provided by Terese, The Country Basket

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 tablespoons corn starch (or potato starch)
1½ teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika powder
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon milk (or water)
1 Lb ground beef
Oil or butter for frying
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRAVY:
¼ cup butter
¼ cup flour
1 teaspoon onion powder OR a small, raw onion, finely chopped
2 cups water
4 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon Beef Base (or 4 bouillon cubes)
Drippings from the fried meatballs
¼ cup heavy cream (Optional)

Steps:

  • Put the dry ingredients into a medium sized bowl; corn starch, flour, paprika, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  • Add milk and whisk well until no lumps remain.
  • Add meat and stir with a spoon until completely combined and sticky.
  • Add olive oil or butter to a frying pan on medium-low heat.
  • Shape meat balls with spoons or a meatball scoop, dipping your tool of choice in water now and again to keep meat from sticking.
  • Drop the meat balls on the frying pan, flattening them a little bit with a turner.
  • Cover and fry until browned on the top and bottom, a few minutes on each side.
  • Keep hot until ready to serve.
  • Serve with brown gravy, potatoes boiled in lightly salted water, and steamed vegetables such as a blend of cauliflower, carrots, and broccoli.
  • --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  • GRAVY:
  • In a medium sized sauce pan on medium-low heat, melt butter.
  • Add flour and onion powder. Whisk together into a smooth roux, and cook while whisking now and again until the flour mixture has turned medium-brown. This should take 8-10 minutes.
  • Pull away from the heat and add all of the water while quickly whisking together to avoid lumps. But be careful, the flour mixture will be very hot and may hiss loudly when you add cold liquids. Alternatively, you can heat the liquid before adding.
  • Also add the beef base, and bring to a boil while whisking often. The gravy will thicken. Reduce the heat and boil gently for 7-10 minutes until smooth. Stir once in a while.
  • Add the meatball drippings from frying, which will add a lot of great flavor!
  • Add heavy cream and stir well. (Optional)
  • Serve over Norwegian meatballs.

NORWEGIAN MEATBALLS (VIKING SOUL FOOD STYLE)



Norwegian Meatballs (Viking Soul Food Style) image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time P1DT7h55m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 29

2 medium yellow onions
1/2 stick butter
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 ounce rye bread (if you can get Scandinavian rye, even better!)
1 tablespoon heavy cream
1 tablespoon whole milk
1 1/2 teaspoons allspice berries
1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
4 eggs, preferably organic
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1 medium head purple cabbage
1/2 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup white cane sugar
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon ground caraway seed
1 bay leaf
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
4 ounces all-purpose flour
1 quart whole milk
3/4 cup Madeira wine
1/2 cup white wine
2 tablespoons salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
13 ounces Gjetost cheese (pronounced "yet-ohst"; it's a Norwegian caramelized goat cheese)
6 lefse (we make ours in-house but for convenience they can be store-bought, or you can use tortillas)
3 cups shredded green cabbage

Steps:

  • For the Norwegian meatballs: Small dice the yellow onions, or grate on a cheese grater on the largest holes. Warning: The cheese grater method is effective, but you'll likely have a tearful experience!
  • Combine butter, 1 teaspoon salt and the grated onions in a small pot. Cook on medium-low until onions are browned and smelling sweet, about 1 hour. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  • Chop up rye bread by hand or in a food processor until crumbly, but don't obliterate it. Add heavy cream, whole milk, and rye breadcrumbs to a pot. Heat gently on low until breadcrumbs have absorbed dairy and are softened and aromatic, then remove from the heat.
  • Grind allspice berries and black peppercorns together in a spice grinder until fine.
  • Combine rye breadcrumbs, eggs, flour, caramelized onions, remaining teaspoon salt and the spices in a large mixing bowl. Mix together until a smooth paste forms, then incorporate the beef and pork, squeezing with your fingers to make sure the starchy ingredients break up into the meat. At the same time, make sure not to overwork the mixture, as that would yield tough meatballs.
  • Let stand at least 2 to 3 hours in the fridge, then roll into balls. We roll our meatballs to 1 1/2-ounces each, but all you need to do is make sure your meatballs are consistently-sized, so they cook at the same rate when they hit the oven.
  • Preheat the oven to 550 degrees F, preferably on convection. Roast meatballs until well-browned on the outside, about 10 minutes in a convection oven or 12 minutes in a conventional oven.
  • For the surkal: Thinly slice cabbage (1/4-inch thick) with a knife or mandoline. Avoid cutting into the core; you just want the purple leaves.
  • Toss cabbage and salt together in a large bowl and allow to sit.
  • Combine white sugar, cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, ground caraway seed, bay leaf and 3 cups water in a large pot, then bring to a boil. Pour over cabbage and cover, then refrigerate for about 1 day. This will help lessen the harshness of the vinegars and soften the cabbage.
  • After 24 to 36 hours, remove bay leaf and stir cabbage mixture to make sure caraway is well-distributed.
  • Refrigerate until ready to eat.
  • For the Gjetost cheese sauce: Melt the butter in a pot on medium heat and brown slightly. Add the flour and whisk well. Allow the roux to brown on medium-low heat until it reaches a rich golden brown color; it should smell nutty. This takes 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Add the milk gradually in increments, whisking vigorously as you go. If you happen to have an immersion blender, run it through and get rid of any lumps. Reduce heat to low and watch carefully, whisking often and making sure the bottom doesn't burn. You want to see bubbles popping up to the surface every few seconds.
  • Add the Madeira, white wine, salt and nutmeg. Cook until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 40 minutes, then grate the Gjetost cheese into the pot.
  • Allow the sauce to cook gently and continue to thicken for about 1 1/2 hours. Be sure to whisk the bottom occasionally to get up any browned bits. If you have one, get your immersion blender in there and run it through until smooth and velvety. When finished, sauce should be the consistency of thick gravy and taste of toasty bread and goat cheese.
  • Allow to cool for a half hour or so, then place in the fridge if you aren't going to use it right away.
  • For the meatball lefse wrap: Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
  • Halve 2 of the meatballs and roast until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Toast a piece of lefse in a nonstick pan or better yet, on a lefse griddle, on both sides. Remove toasted lefse to a cutting board. Begin layering: 1/2 cup shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup surkal/pickled cabbage, the heated meatballs and finally about 1/3 cup warm Gjetost cheese sauce. Roll it tightly like a burrito. Cut in half if you're sharing, but you probably won't want to.

THE BEST MEATBALLS



The Best Meatballs image

I never knew how to make good meatballs until I found this recipe. I normally make mine with just ground beef and they still taste great. I've used the combination of pork, beef and veal and they are equally good. Definitely use fresh bread crumbs and freshly grate your cheese instead of using the canned variety...it really does make a difference.

Provided by Geanine

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 50m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound ground beef
½ pound ground veal
½ pound ground pork
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 eggs
1 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
1 ½ tablespoons chopped Italian flat leaf parsley
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 cups stale Italian bread, crumbled
1 ½ cups lukewarm water
1 cup olive oil

Steps:

  • Combine beef, veal, and pork in a large bowl. Add garlic, eggs, cheese, parsley, salt and pepper.
  • Blend bread crumbs into meat mixture. Slowly add the water 1/2 cup at a time. The mixture should be very moist but still hold its shape if rolled into meatballs. (I usually use about 1 1/4 cups of water). Shape into meatballs.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Fry meatballs in batches. When the meatball is very brown and slightly crisp remove from the heat and drain on a paper towel. (If your mixture is too wet, cover the meatballs while they are cooking so that they hold their shape better.)

Nutrition Facts : Calories 613.4 calories, Carbohydrate 6.6 g, Cholesterol 148.6 mg, Fat 53.2 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 26.6 g, SaturatedFat 15 g, Sodium 333.1 mg, Sugar 0.3 g

NORWEGIAN MEATBALLS AND RICE



Norwegian Meatballs and Rice image

We love old family recipes and these Norwegian meatballs are no different. The mix of ground beef and pork is quite tasty. They soak up all the delicious flavor of the creamy gravy. Serve this over rice or noodles for a comforting meal.

Provided by Kat Ryan

Categories     Beef

Number Of Ingredients 15

4 slice white bread
3/4 c hot milk
1 lb extra lean, ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork or ground turkey
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp allspice, ground
1/2 c chopped onion
1-2 tsp salt
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
4 Tbsp butter
4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tsp beef boullion base
2 1/2 c boiling water

Steps:

  • 1. In a large bowl, soak the bread in hot milk until absorbed, completely. Add all remaining ingredients; mix well.
  • 2. Shape into 1 inch balls. Brown meatballs in a large non-stick skillet, add a little oil if necessary to keep meatballs from sticking to the pan.
  • 3. Drain; place meatballs in a large casserole dish. Preheat over to 350 degrees.
  • 4. To make the gravy, melt 4 tbsp of butter in a medium saucepan. Stir in 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour. Mix 2 tsp beef bouillon base into 2 1/2 c boiling water. Mix into flour mixture. Cook and stir until thickened.
  • 5. Pour over the meatballs and bake for 30 minutes.
  • 6. Serve over hot cooked rice or cooked egg noodles.

BJARNE'S NORWEGIAN MEATBALLS



Bjarne's Norwegian Meatballs image

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 them now.

Provided by Debbie22

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Scandinavian

Time 1h30m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 17

¾ cup plain bread crumbs
½ cup milk
2 eggs
1 large onion, grated
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper
3 pounds 85% lean ground beef
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

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a jelly roll pan.
  • 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.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until browned, about 18 minutes. Set meatballs aside.
  • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Saute 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.
  • Gently stir cooked meatballs into gravy and heat through, but do not boil, about 5 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 350.5 calories, Carbohydrate 10.3 g, Cholesterol 132.1 mg, Fat 22.2 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 26.1 g, SaturatedFat 10.2 g, Sodium 1004.4 mg, Sugar 1.7 g

CROCK POT NORWEGIAN MEATBALLS



Crock Pot Norwegian Meatballs image

Make and share this Crock Pot Norwegian Meatballs recipe from Food.com.

Provided by CelebrationFL

Categories     Meat

Time 50m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 lbs frozen meatballs
2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup (use 2 or 3 depending upon how saucy you want finished dish to be)
12 ounces evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1 cup beef broth

Steps:

  • Lay frozen meatballs in a long. microwave safe dish and microwave on high for 4 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine all other ingredients.
  • Place meatballs in slow cooker. Cover with soup mixture.
  • Cover and cook on high 45 minutes (sauce should no boil).
  • Turn to low. Keep warm until servin time.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 172.6, Fat 13.5, SaturatedFat 6.9, Cholesterol 25.1, Sodium 505.1, Carbohydrate 9, Sugar 0.9, Protein 4.6

MEATBALLS AND GRAVY



Meatballs and Gravy image

"CHRISTMAS was the time when our family forgot about the food budget and splurged on one special meal. I can still see Grandmother making dozens of these little meatballs! The hint of spices gives them a savory taste that makes them authentically Norwegian."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 large egg
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
Dash pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
3 to 4 tablespoons butter
GRAVY:
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup milk or half-and-half cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Minced fresh parsley, optional

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, beat the egg, milk, cornstarch, onion, salt, pepper, nutmeg, allspice and ginger. Add beef; mix well. Shape into 1-1/2-in. meatballs. (Mixture will be very soft. For easier shaping, rinse hands in cold water frequently.) , In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs in butter, half at a time, for about 10 minutes or until no longer pink. Remove meatballs to paper towels to drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings in skillet. , For gravy, add butter to drippings. Stir in flour. Add broth and milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Return meatballs to skillet; heat through on low. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts :

NORWEGIAN MEATBALLS - NORWAY



Norwegian Meatballs - Norway image

Make and share this Norwegian Meatballs - Norway recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Sam 3

Categories     Meat

Time 1h

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 lb ground chuck
1 onion, finely chopped
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 (13 1/2 ounce) cans beef broth
2/3 cup sour cream

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, mix milk and 1/4 cup cornstarch until well blended.
  • Add meat, onion, salt, nutmeg, pepper and egg.
  • Mix until well blended.
  • Cover.
  • Refrigerate at least 20 minutes for easier shaping.
  • Shape chilled meat mixture into 1in balls. In a 12in skillet, over med heat, heat oil until hot.
  • Cook meatballs, half at a time, until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
  • Remove with a slotted spoon.
  • Drain on paper towels.
  • Pour off all but 1/4 cup drippings, adding oil if necessary, to make 1/4 cup.
  • In a med bowl, mix beef broth and remaining 1/4 cup corn starch until well blended.
  • Pour into skillet.
  • Over med heat, cook while stirring constantly, until sauce boils and thickens.
  • Add meatballs and reduce heat to low.
  • Cover and simmer 15 minutes.
  • Stir in sour cream and remove from heat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 459.7, Fat 28.4, SaturatedFat 10.3, Cholesterol 147.5, Sodium 2054.1, Carbohydrate 20.1, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 1.4, Protein 30.4

Tips:

  • Choose the right ground meat: A combination of ground beef and pork is traditional, but you can also use all beef, lamb, or veal. Just make sure the meat is fresh and has a good fat content (at least 20%).
  • Season the meatballs well: Don't be afraid to use plenty of salt and pepper, as well as other spices like garlic, onion, and cumin. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese or bread crumbs for extra flavor.
  • Brown the meatballs before simmering them: This will help to seal in the flavor and prevent them from falling apart.
  • Use a good quality beef broth: This will make a big difference in the flavor of the meatballs.
  • Simmer the meatballs for at least 30 minutes: This will help to tenderize them and allow the flavors to meld.
  • Serve the meatballs with your favorite sides: Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice are all good options.

Conclusion:

Norwegian meatballs are a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a winter meal. They are easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. With a little planning, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time.

Related Topics