Swedish Meatballs

I am always looking for new recipes that use ground beef.  I like to buy the big family size packages and split them up in to one pound portions to freeze.  It's inexpensive and, more importantly, makes my husband happy.  Got to keep the hubs happy, right?

I was flipping through one of my magazines when this recipe caught my eye.  Well, not actually flipping.  I don't really look at a magazine from cover to cover.  I just go straight to the food section, skim that, then move on to the next magazine.  I should really only subscribe to food magazines, so I get my money's worth, but whatever.

Anyway, this recipe met all my criteria for a family pleasing meal, and I happened to have all of the ingredients on hand.  Got to love when that happens!  This classic dinner ended up being a comforting, rich, hearty, flavorful meal.  We loved it!


Ingredients

• MEATBALLS
• 1/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 1 tbsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 lbs ground beef
• GRAVY
• ¼ cup flour
• 1¼ cups milk
• 1 (10½ oz) can beef consomme
• 1½ tsp worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• NOODLES
• 1 (8 oz) package egg noodles
• 2 tbsp butter, cubed

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the meatballs.  Shape meat into 12-15 meatballs.  They should be about 1½ in diameter.
2. In a large skillet, brown the meatballs on all sides.  Remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside.
3. Stir the flour into the pan drippings with a whisk.  Continue stirring until the flour is lightly browned.  Slowly stir in the milk, whisking constantly until smooth.  Add the consomme, worcestershire, pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to simmer and return the meatballs to the pan and cook, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. While the meatballs are simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package directions.  Drain and toss with the butter.  Top the buttered noodles with the meatballs and gravy.

Notes

• Source: Adapted from Mom's Swedish Meatballs found in Taste of Home magazine.