Swedish Meatballs

 

1 1/2 cups soft bread crumbs, about 3 slices bread

1 tablespoon dried minced onion or 1/4 cup finely chopped onion

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

3/4 cup milk

2 pounds ground beef

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 tablespoons flour

1 can (10 1/2 ounces) condensed beef broth

1 cup half-and-half or light cream

 

Combine bread crumbs, onion, salt, pepper, nutmeg and 3/4 cup milk in a large mixing bowl. Let milk soak into crumbs for a few minutes. Gently stir in ground beef until well blended; form into balls about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

 

Brown meatballs in butter and oil in a large skillet; remove with a slotted spoon to a 2 1/2-quart baking dish. Drain off all but 2 tablespoons of drippings; stir flour into drippings. Cook, stirring constantly, until bubbly. Stir in beef broth and cream. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens and boils for a minute. Pour over Swedish meatballs in baking dish. Bake Swedish meatballs at 325° for 35 to 45 minutes. Swedish meatball recipe serves 6.