Mouth-watering Gluten-Free Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Hello dear readers,
Are you looking for a delicious and healthy gluten-free meal? Look no further! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for gluten-free Swedish meatballs with a creamy gravy that will knock your socks off.
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I am always on the lookout for tasty dishes that are packed with good nutrition. This recipe ticks all the boxes – it is gluten-free, dairy-free, and made with lean beef and ground turkey. Plus, the creamy gravy is made with evaporated milk and tapioca flour, so it’s lighter than traditional heavy cream-based sauces.
Swedish meatballs are usually associated with the famous furniture store, but this version of the dish is both healthier and more satisfying. Not only do these meatballs taste amazing, but they’re also easy to whip up even on a busy weeknight.
Whether you’re following a gluten-free or low FODMAP diet, trying to cut back on carbs or simply looking for a comforting meal to enjoy with family or friends, these gluten-free Swedish meatballs are sure to be a hit. So let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a savory and crowd-pleasing dinner recipe that’s both gluten-free and dairy-free? Look no further than this Gluten Free Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy recipe. This dish is a perfect example of how delicious and satisfying gluten-free and dairy-free recipes can be, without compromising taste or texture.
First off, the meatballs are made with a combination of lean ground beef and ground turkey, which adds depth of flavor from the beef’s richness while keeping the overall fat content in check. They’re then coated in gluten-free breadcrumbs made from cornmeal and tapioca flour, which yields tasty bites with a delightful crunch.
But what really makes this dish shine is the rich and savory gravy that’s served on top of the meatballs. The creamy gravy is made with olive oil, onion, garlic powder, seasoning salt, pepper, evaporated milk (which is dairy-free), water, cornstarch and heavy cream (or whole milk for low-fat version). The result is a luscious sauce perfect to be served over mashed potatoes or rice.
One thing I love about this recipe is that it can easily be shared with anyone, regardless of their dietary restrictions. Whether you’re following a gluten-free diet or living lactose intolerant or vegan lifestyle, this dish has got you covered. Additionally, it can be prepared ahead of time and reheated at a later stage for even more convenience.
Swedish Meatballs are known for being easy yet comforting meals that have been enjoyed by many families over the years. With these Gluten-Free Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy, you can now bring them to your table – allowing everyone to come together and enjoy quality home-cooked food without compromise!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make these gluten-free Swedish meatballs with gravy:
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- 1 lb. ground beef (lean)
- 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp. seasoning salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
For the gravy:
- 4 tbsp. olive oil
- 4 tbsp. cornstarch
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or full fat coconut milk for dairy-free option (substitute section for more info)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to gather all your ingredients before starting to cook – this will make the process much smoother! If you’re missing anything, keep in mind that some ingredients can be substituted or omitted, which we’ll cover in the next section.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps and you’ll have a batch of delicious gluten-free Swedish meatballs with creamy gravy in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1/4 cup tapioca flour
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp seasoning salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- Olive oil
Instructions
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, ground beef, egg, cornmeal, tapioca flour, onion, garlic, garlic powder, seasoning salt and pepper.
-
Use your hands to mix the ingredients together until well combined.
-
Form the mixture into small meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
-
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
-
Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook for about 8 minutes per side or until browned on all sides.
-
Remove the meatballs from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Making the Gravy
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons tapioca flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
Instructions:
-
In the same skillet you used to cook the meatballs, melt the butter over medium heat.
-
Whisk in 4 tablespoons of tapioca flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly.
-
Gradually whisk in 4 cups of beef broth and bring to a boil.
-
Reduce heat and stir in 1/2 cup of evaporated milk. Simmer for 5 minutes until the gravy has thickened.
-
Return the meatballs to the skillet and spoon the gravy over them.
-
Cook for 5 minutes or until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has coated them nicely.
Time to Serve!
Serve hot with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies or on their own. Don’t forget to spoon that deliciously creamy gravy over everything!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking for a way to put your own spin on this classic Swedish meatballs recipe? Maybe you want to make it healthier or cater to a specific dietary restriction without compromising the taste. Here are some substitutions and variations that will help you do just that.
– Gluten-free breadcrumbs: If you’re on a gluten-free diet, skip traditional breadcrumbs and opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs instead. You can find them in most grocery stores or make them yourself by grinding up gluten-free bread slices.
– Dairy-free cream sauce: If you’re allergic to dairy or following a vegan diet, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Both will give your sauce rich and savory flavors, similar to those of heavy cream.
– Ground turkey meatballs: For a leaner option, mix ground turkey and lean beef in equal parts. It’ll reduce the overall fat content while still keeping the meatballs meaty and flavorful.
– Plant-based Swedish meatballs: You can easily transform this dish into a plant-based alternative by using vegan meatballs. You can find them at health food stores or make your own with lentils, quinoa, or mushrooms.
– Paleo-friendly Swedish meatballs: One way to make this recipe paleo-friendly is by replacing the breadcrumbs with almond flour or cornmeal. Additionally, you can use ground pork or lamb instead of beef if you prefer.
– Low-carb Swedish meatball sauce: To make the sauce low-carb, omit cornstarch altogether and thicken it with tapioca flour instead. Tapioca flour has a neutral taste and provides excellent texture without adding any carbs.
These substitutions and variations allow you to customize this gluten-free Swedish meatball recipe according to your preferences while keeping it deliciously healthy. Feel free to play around with different ingredients until you find what works best for you!
Serving and Pairing
One of my absolute favorite ways to serve these gluten-free Swedish meatballs is with a heaping plate of creamy mashed potatoes. The combination of the tender meatballs and the rich, velvety bed of mashed potatoes is just too good to resist.
If you are following a low-carb or paleo lifestyle, try pairing the meatballs with a side of cauliflower mash or roasted vegetables. The savory aroma of these tender meatballs will have everyone in the house anxious to dive in.
To add a bit more depth to the already rich flavors, I recommend pairing this dish with a fruity red wine or a crisp white wine, depending on your preference. A glass of Pinot Noir would be perfect for those who prefer reds, while Pinot Grigio would be a great option for white wine lovers.
For those who prefer beer, I suggest pairing this recipe with some light lager or pilsner to balance out the richness of the creamy gravy. But if you’re feeling adventurous and want to take it up a notch, experiment with some craft beers that have hints of caramel and nuttiness.
If you are plant-based or vegan, try substituting the meatballs with vegan meatballs made with tofu or seitan, and pair them with a plant-based cream sauce for a guilt-free indulgence. Top it off with some vegan sour cream and chopped chives for added flavors.
No matter how you choose to serve and pair these gluten-free Swedish meatballs, one thing is for sure – your taste buds will thank you!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to meal planning and preparation, time is of the essence. That’s why knowing how to make-ahead, store and reheat meals is crucial. Luckily, this Gluten-Free Swedish Meatballs recipe is perfect for all three!
Make-Ahead
If you’re tight on time during the week, you can easily make these meatballs ahead of time. All you need to do is follow the recipe instructions up until the point of cooking the meatballs. Instead, cover your uncooked meatballs and refrigerate for up to 1 day in advance.
Storing
Once you’ve cooked your gluten-free Swedish meatballs, you can store them in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If freezing them, make sure they are completely cooled down before placing them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag.
Reheating
When it comes to reheating these delicious Swedish meatballs, there are a few options. Firstly, if you have any leftover gravy, heat it up on the stovetop over medium heat until it starts bubbling. Then add your precooked meatballs and let them simmer in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Alternatively, you can microwave your stored meatballs by placing them on a microwave-safe dish and heating them on high for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. You may need to adjust the timing depending on how many meatballs you are reheating and the wattage of your microwave.
No matter which method you choose to reheat your gluten-free Swedish meatballs, they will still taste just as delicious as when you first made them!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking can be both an art and a science. When it comes to incorporating dietary restrictions such as a gluten-free or dairy-free diet, cooking can be more challenging. But fear not, as a nutritionist and food blogger, I am here to provide you with my top tips for perfect results when making gluten-free Swedish meatballs with gravy.
1. Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture
When making the meatballs, it is important not to overmix the meatball mixture. Overmixing will result in dense and tough meatballs that are less flavorful than they could be. To avoid this mistake, mix the ingredients until they are just combined.
2. Use Ground Meat with Enough Fat Content
Using ground meat with enough fat content will help prevent the meatballs from drying out when they are cooked. For this recipe, combining lean beef with ground turkey will give you juicy and tasty meatballs while still maintaining a lower saturated fat content.
3. Chilling the Meat Mixture Before Cooking
After mixing the meat together, chill it for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help the flavors to meld and keep the meatballs from falling apart during cooking.
4. Use Room Temperature Eggs
Using room temperature eggs for your meatball mixture will help them bind together better than if you use cold eggs straight from the fridge.
5. Use Gluten-Free Ingredients
Always double-check your ingredient list to ensure that you are using gluten-free ingredients if following a gluten-free diet is essential for you or anyone else eating this meal.
6. Substitute Tapioca Flour for Cornstarch in Gravy
Tapioca flour is an excellent substitute for cornstarch in the gravy recipe. It provides a glossy texture without any of the pastiness that cornstarch can create.
7. Use Cornmeal for Extra Texture
Cornmeal can add some crunch to your gluten-free Swedish meatballs while still keeping the recipe gluten-free. Consider adding a tablespoon or two to your meatball mixture.
By following these tips, you can achieve perfect gluten-free Swedish meatballs with gravy every time, which is sure to be a hit at any dinner party or family gathering.
FAQ
Now that you have learned about the recipe, ingredients, variations, serving and storing options, it’s time to address some frequently asked questions. As a nutritionist and food blogger, I understand that readers may have diverse concerns about a recipe. Therefore, in this section of the article, we will answer some FAQ related to the gluten-free Swedish meatballs with gravy recipe. So let’s dive into the common queries and clear any confusion you might have.
What is Swedish meatball gravy made of?
One of the key components in creating a delicious and flavorful sauce is beef stock, which provides a mouth-watering meaty taste. Additionally, adding heavy cream to the sauce ensures a luscious and velvety texture, complementing the other flavors in the dish. Flour, soy sauce, and a blend of spices can be used for extra taste, and meatballs are a perfect ingredient to complement the sauce.
What is Ikea gravy made from?
In this recipe, we will be making some savory gravy inspired by IKEA. We’ll be using flour, whole milk, low-sodium beef stock, and a dash of soy sauce to create a decadent sauce that pairs well with your favorite dishes. Feel free to make adjustments to the ingredients based on your preferences, but these are the recommended amounts for optimal flavor.
How do you keep Swedish meatballs from falling apart?
When it comes to making delicious meatballs, some techniques can make a huge difference in their taste and texture. For instance, kneading the meat mixture gently or “massaging your meat” can help it bind properly, resulting in tender meatballs that maintain their shape. Adding breadcrumbs and eggs to the mixture can also help in the binding process, but be careful not to go overboard with add-ins apart from meat.
Once you have formed your meatballs, it’s important to coat them with flour and give them some space to avoid sticking to each other. To further enhance the flavor and texture of your meatballs, it’s recommended that you shake them a bit to increase the surface area exposed to heat. Finally, browning your meatballs in the skillet before cooking them in the oven or sauce can lend a rich caramelized flavor to your dish. By following these simple tips, you can take your meatball game to the next level!
What makes Swedish meatballs different from regular meatballs?
Meatballs can be served with different types of sauces that are specific to certain cultures. For instance, Italian meatballs are commonly accompanied by a tomato-based marinara sauce, while Swedish meatballs are served with a thick and creamy gravy made with beef or bone broth and sour cream.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these gluten-free Swedish meatballs with gravy are the perfect meal for those seeking to have a gluten and dairy-free experience without sacrificing flavor. The combination of ground turkey and beef in this recipe produces a perfect texture and unbeatable taste that will leave you wanting more.
You won’t be disappointed with how easy it is to prepare this recipe! With a little bit of effort, tapioca flour, cornmeal, onion, garlic powder and other simple ingredients can be transformed into a satisfyingly rich savory sauce that will impress even the pickiest eaters!
Whether you make them for family dinner, meal prep, or entertaining guests, you can rest assured that these Swedish meatballs will leave everyone feeling satisfied and happy. So why not give this recipe a try? You might just find your new favorite dish!
Gluten Free Swedish Meatballs With Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
For Meatballs
- 3/4 lb ground beef
- 3/4 lb ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons pepper
- 1 tablespoon seasoning salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 chopped onion
- 1 -2 cup cornmeal
For the Gravy
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (2 for cooking the meatballs, 2 to make the gravy)
- 5 tablespoons tapioca flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 (10 ounce) can cream of celery soup
- 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk (Can you regular milk)
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix ground beef and ground turkey and combine them well. Add the Egg and stir. Season the meat with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the onions to the meat. Add the cornmeal and with your hands, mix the meat well. You may need some more cornmeal if the meat is too sticky.
- Roll up into individual meatballs. This should make about 40, depending on the size of meatballs you make.
- In a large skillet pan, add about 2 tbsp oil and cook the meatballs, turning after about 6-8 minutes and cook the other side.
- When the meatballs are no longer pink, transfer them to a plate. Add 2 tbsp olive oil and the tapioca flour and cornstarch. Stir it well until thickened. Add the water and stir with a wire whisk until creamy. Add the cream of celery soup and continue to whisk and cook for about 2 minutes to until thickend. Pour the canned milk and stir well. You may need to add some more milk if it gets too thick. Season well with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you may prefer.
- Return the meatballs to the gravy and heat them up, for about 5 minutes or so.
- Enjoy with Steamed Rice.