Swedish Meatballs, and I’m not even Swedish

Fiddledaddy was out of town all week on business. Which meant that I could get away with meals like Hot Dogs, Frozen Pizza, OH YES, YOU CAN EAT CEREAL FOR DINNER.  It also meant that I didn’t have to fight over the remote with anyone once the children were mercifully asleep.

A hollow victory, because I had to watch Lost all alone.  And Lost, especially 3 hours of it, is likely to lead to restless sleep and nightmares about smoke monsters and VW buses.

Thankfully, he returned bearing gifts.  The children acquired some video games, but I am the one who SCORED.  Fiddledaddy brought me a German Chocolate Cake.  Because nothing says “I love you and I’m sorry that I left you all alone with our insane children” like a German Chocolate Cake.

This is where I would like to tell you that I employed all of my will power and said “it’s the thought that counts” and fed the cake to my family.  Thusly saving my fragile metabolism. But that would be a lie from the pit of hell.  I scarfed that cake down before the dinner dishes were even cleared from the table.  And yes, reluctantly, I shared with the children.  But they did ask in unison, HEY, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CHERRY ON TOP?

Anyhoo.  When Fiddledaddy is home for dinner, I like to cook a well rounded meal.  And by well rounded, I mean that there is a protein, a complex carb, and some vegetables.  BUT IT HAS TO BE SIMPLE.  I have no time, patience, or fortitude to whip up fancy meals anymore.  (As if I ever did.)

Swedish Meatballs are a favorite with my children.  I got this recipe from my e-mealz membership.  I can’t say enough good things about e-mealz.  They have saved me COUNTLESS hours and headaches by putting together meal plans and grocery lists for me.  (The button is on my left sidebar, and pssst, if you order a membership using the coupon code “Dave”, you get a 3 month membership for $12.50, instead of $15.00.) This is an extremely easy recipe, and you can make extra and freeze some for later.

Swedish Meatballs

Meatballs

• 2 lb.. Lean Ground Beef
• 1 Onion, finely chopped
• 1 Cup Fine Bread Crumbs *
• 2 Eggs, beaten
• 1/2 Cup Milk (recipe called for 1 C., I use 1/2 C.)
• 1 t. Salt **
• 1/4 t. Ground Pepper
• 1/2 t. Garlic Powder (or you could use Allspice)

Gravy

• 1 Envelope Dry Onion Soup Mix ***
• 1 Cup Water
• 1 T. Flour
• 1 C. Milk
• Salt & Pepper to season

* In lieu of bread crumbs, I use Rothbury Farms Seasoned Croutons.  They are with whole wheat flour and THEY ARE TASTY.  Gives the meatballs extra flavor.  Just beat them into submission bread crumbs with a kitchen mallet.

*** Also, it’s hard to find envelopes of Dry Onion Soup Mix that do not contain MSG.  I find them at the health food store.  I’ll buy several at a time, and then just stick them in the freezer until I need them.

Meatballs: Mix all meatball ingredients together.  I wear those handy medical gloves so that I can use my hands WITHOUT EVER HAVING TO ACTUALLY TOUCH RAW MEAT.  Form into 1″ meatballs.  Place in a 13 x 9 glass baking dish.  Bake @ 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Drain off any grease.

Personally, I love the fact that these are made in the oven, and not in a skillet.  But I reckon you could if you felt the urge.

Gravy: In a large skillet, combine gravy ingredients.  Stir well.  Add cooked meatballs and simmer for 20 minutes.

I love to serve this over whole wheat wide noodles with a side of green beans.

Come to think of it, a slab of German Chocolate Cake might just complete this meal.  Followed by a brisk 20 mile walk.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Tagged as: e-mealz.com