Oven-Baked Scandinavian Meatballs with Bone Broth Gravy

“This recipe is especially close to my heart because it’s adapted from my husband’s grandma’s traditional Danish meatball recipe.”

There’s something about meatballs that just feels like home. Whether simmered in marinara sauce or smothered in creamy gravy, meatballs are the ultimate comfort food – and today, I’m sharing a Scandinavian-inspired meatball recipe that has become a staple in our kitchen.

This recipe is especially close to my heart because it’s adapted from my husband’s grandma’s traditional Danish meatball recipe. Although I never had the chance to meet her (she passed away before my husband and I met), I’ve come to know her in a special way through her recipes.

Just before my husband’s grandpa passed away, he gifted us a small recipe box filled with her handwritten recipes. For my husband, it brings back memories of her home cooking and the warmth of family meals growing up. For me, cooking her recipes has felt like a beautiful way to connect with the generations before us and honor her legacy in our home today.

As a health coach, I love recreating family recipes to make them nourishing and supportive of our bodies while still honoring the traditions they came from. I hope this healthy twist on Scandinavian meatballs becomes a special recipe in your home too.

Why You’ll Love These Scandinavian Meatballs

✔️ Healthy twist on a comforting classic
✔️ Oven-baked for easier prep and cleanup
✔️ Bone broth gravy adds rich flavor and gut-healing nutrients
✔️ Creamy without heavy cream thanks to Greek yogurt
✔️ Balanced meal with protein, fiber-rich carbs, and healthy fats
✔️ Husband-approved (and he’s definitely a bit pickier than I am!)
✔️ Perfect for meal prep or easy weeknight dinners

My Husband’s Taste Test

Whenever I’m trying a new healthy twist on a classic recipe, I get a little nervous about how my husband will react. He’s quick to tell me when something tastes “too healthy,” so I braced myself when I served these meatballs for dinner the first time.

After taking a bite, he looked up and said:

“Wow, these are really good… especially for being healthy too!”

That, my friends, is high praise coming from him. If you’re looking for a recipe your whole family will enjoy (without anyone knowing it’s secretly healthier), this is it!

Balanced, Whole Food Ingredients (And Why They Matter!)

One of my goals as a health coach is to help women like you create simple swaps that make a big difference over time. Here’s why I love the ingredients in this recipe:

✅ Ground Beef (Protein + Iron)

I recommend using lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce saturated fat while still getting all the protein, iron, and vitamin B12 that beef provides. When we buy from a local farmer (which we try to do when possible!), the beef tends to be slightly higher in fat – usually around 80/20 to 85/15 – but it also contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) from their grass-fed diet, which are both beneficial for heart and metabolic health [1, 2, & 3].

Either option works beautifully in this recipe, so choose what aligns with your family’s needs and budget.

✅ Whole Wheat Panko Breadcrumbs (Fiber + Texture)

Using whole wheat panko breadcrumbs instead of regular white bread crumbs adds extra fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar, improves digestion, and keeps you feeling fuller longer [4].

✅ Bone Broth (Gut + Joint + Immune Health)

Bone broth isn’t just a trendy health food—it’s rich in collagen, gelatin, amino acids, and minerals that support gut lining integrity, joint health, skin elasticity, and immune function [5]. Using bone broth in this gravy instead of regular broth adds a deeper, richer flavor with a nutrient boost.

✅ Greek Yogurt (Creaminess + Protein)

Instead of heavy cream or sour cream, this recipe uses plain Greek yogurt for its tangy creaminess and extra protein, without the added saturated fat. While Greek yogurt does contain probiotics, it’s important to note that most of these beneficial bacteria don’t survive high cooking temperatures. However, you’re still getting the protein, calcium, and creamy texture that makes this gravy so delicious [6].

✅ Thyme, Garlic, Sage, and Onion Powder (Flavor + Phytonutrients)

Herbs and spices don’t just flavor our food—they also contain plant compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties [7]. Thyme in particular is rich in vitamin C and has been used traditionally to support respiratory health and immune function [8].

✅ Whole Wheat Pasta or Mashed Potatoes

Traditionally, Scandinavian meatballs are served over egg noodles, but I like to swap in whole wheat pasta for extra fiber [9] or mashed potatoes for potassium and a comforting side [10]. Either choice rounds out this meal beautifully.

✅ Optional Veggies on the Side

I always recommend adding a side of veggies to your plate for extra nutrients, fiber, and color [11]. Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a fresh garden salad pair perfectly with these meatballs.

Faith Reflection: Honoring God Through Health and Family Traditions

“Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.” — 3 John 1:2 (NLT)

As I made these Scandinavian meatballs adapted from my husband’s grandma’s recipe, I was reminded of how God cares about every part of our lives – our families, our memories, and even our physical health.

This verse is a beautiful reminder that God desires for us to be healthy in body and strong in spirit. Cooking nourishing meals is one way we can honor Him by caring for the bodies He has entrusted to us. And recreating family recipes with a healthier twist can be a way to cherish the past while also stewarding our health for the future.

May this recipe inspire you today to care for yourself and your loved ones with intention and love, remembering that each choice you make to nourish your body is an act of gratitude to the One who gave it to you.

Recipe: Oven-Baked Scandinavian Meatballs with Bone Broth Gravy

A wholesome, comforting twist on a classic family recipe—easy enough for weeknights, special enough for Sunday dinner.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• ½ cup milk

• ¼ cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon dried sage

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 4½ cups low-sodium beef bone broth, divided

• 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• 4 dashes Worcestershire sauce

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt

• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

To Serve:

• Whole wheat pasta or mashed potatoes

• Optional sides: Steamed green beans, side salad, or roasted veggies

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Make the meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, milk, panko, onion powder, sage, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing for tender meatballs.

3. Shape and bake:
Roll into evenly sized meatballs (about 1.5 inches in diameter) and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes, turning the meatballs halfway through, until cooked through and lightly browned.

4. Make the sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, combine 4 cups of the bone broth with soy sauce, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Thicken the sauce:
In a small measuring cup, whisk together the remaining ½ cup bone broth with ¼ cup cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.

6. Add Greek yogurt:
Remove sauce from heat. Let cool for 1–2 minutes, then whisk in the Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.

7. Combine:
Add the cooked meatballs to the skillet and gently stir to coat in the sauce. Simmer on low for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.

8. Serve:
Spoon the meatballs and sauce over whole wheat pasta or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Pair with your favorite veggie side to round out your meal.

Notes

• Feel free to double the meatball portion and freeze half for another easy dinner!

• The sauce reheats beautifully making it a great meal prep recipe for leftovers.

• For lighter mashed potatoes, try using Greek yogurt or a splash of milk in place of cream or butter.

Optional Modifications for Lower Sodium

If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can:

✔️ Use unsalted bone broth instead of low-sodium
✔️ Reduce soy sauce amount to 2 teaspoons instead of 1 tablespoon
✔️ Use only 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce instead of 4

These changes will slightly reduce the saltiness while still preserving the recipe’s rich flavor.

Health Benefits at a Glance

• Protein-packed: Ground beef + Greek yogurt provide satiating protein to keep you full and stabilize blood sugar [12 & 13].

• Gut & joint support: Bone broth adds collagen, gelatin, and minerals to support whole body health [5].

• Heart-healthy swaps: Reduced sodium ingredients and whole wheat pasta make this a better choice for your cardiovascular system [14 & 9].

• Balanced meal: Carbs + protein + fat + fiber-rich side veggies = a blood sugar friendly, satisfying dinner [15].

Approximate Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

(Based on 6 servings using 93/7 lean beef and whole wheat pasta. Values are approximate and will vary based on exact brands and measurements used.)

• Calories: ~450 kcal

• Protein: ~35 g

• Carbohydrates: ~35 g

• Fat: ~18 g

• Fiber: ~5 g

• Sodium: ~650 mg

Want More Healthy, Simple, God-Honoring Meal Ideas?

If you enjoyed this recipe, I’d love to invite you to join my Fuel Your Body, Honor Your Health: A 5-Day Meal Prep Workshop to Make Healthy Cooking Simple and God-Honoring. In this free workshop, you’ll learn how to:

✅ Meal prep efficiently without overwhelm
✅ Create balanced meals your family actually wants to eat
✅ Honor your health and steward your body well in a way that glorifies God

Final Thoughts

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or boring. It can be flavorful, nourishing, and deeply satisfying – and a beautiful way to honor your body as the temple God created it to be.

I hope these oven-baked Scandinavian meatballs with bone broth gravy become a new staple in your home, just like they have in ours.

Wishing you well,

Coach Tiffany

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Footnotes

[1] Gunnars, Kris. “Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Fed Beef — What’s the Difference?” Healthline, 7 July 2025, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/grass-fed-vs-grain-fed-beef. 

[2] Guðný Hjálmarsdóttir, Freydís. “17 Science-Based Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids.” Healthline, 7 July 2025, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/17-health-benefits-of-omega-3. 

[3] Gunnars, Kris. “CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid): A Detailed Review.” Healthline, 7 July 2025, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/conjugated-linoleic-acid.

[4] Jividen, Sarah. “White Bread vs. Whole Wheat Bread: Which is Better for Your Diet?” Verywell Health, 7 July 2025, https://www.verywellhealth.com/wheat-bread-vs-white-bread-8764869.

[5] “Why Bone Broth Is Good for You (and How To Make It).” Cleveland Clinic, 7 July 2025, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/bone-broth-benefits. 

[6] “Is Yogurt Good for You?” Cleveland Clinic, 8 July 2025, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-yogurt-good-for-you.  

[7] Noe Pagán, Camille. “Spices and Herbs That Can Help You Stay Healthy.” WebMD, 8 July 2025, https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/spices-and-herbs-health-benefits. 

[8] Sruthi, M. “What Is Thyme Good For?” MedicineNet, 8 July 2025, https://www.medicinenet.com/what_is_thyme_good_for/article.htm.

[9] Ajmera, Rachael. “Is Pasta Healthy or Unhealthy?” Healthline, 8 July 2025, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-pasta-healthy. 

[10] Arnarson, Atli and Alyssa Northrop. “Potatoes 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Effects.” Healthline, 8 July 2025, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/potatoes. 

[11] Watson, Stephanie. “Health Benefits of Vegetables.” WebMD, 8 July 2025, https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-vegetables.

[12] DiGiacinto, Jessica and Marsha McCulloch. “Top 13 Lean Protein Foods.” Healthline, 8 July 2025, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lean-protein-foods. 

[13] Kubala, Jillian. “17 Foods to Lower Your Blood Sugar.” Healthline, 8 July 2025, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-to-lower-blood-sugar.

[14] “Sodium: How to tame your salt habit.” Mayo Clinic, 8 July 2025, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/sodium/art-20045479.

[15] O’Meara, Marc. “How to Control Blood Sugar With Diet.” Mass General Brigham, 8 July 2025, https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/how-to-control-blood-sugar-with-diet.