Emma Wilson
Meatballs in mushroom gravy is a classic comfort food, and the calorie count of this dish can vary depending on the ingredients and cooking methods used. For example, a serving of Swedish meatballs with mushroom gravy can contain approximately 115 calories per meatball, while a recipe that includes mashed potatoes can bring the total calorie count to 381. Another recipe for healthy meatballs in mushroom sauce has a calorie count of 341 per serving, while a different recipe without potatoes comes in at 305 calories per 3oz serving. Finally, a particularly indulgent recipe for meatballs with mushroom gravy contains a whopping 852 calories per serving.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 381 |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g |
| Trans Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 111mg |
| Sodium | 516mg |
| Potassium | 740mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Vitamin A | 687IU |
| Vitamin C | 13mg |
| Calcium | 77mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
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What You'll Learn
Meatball ingredients and nutritional value
Meatballs are usually made with ground beef, veal, and/or pork. However, chicken or turkey can be used as substitutes to lower saturated fat consumption. Meatballs also typically contain eggs, which act as a binding agent, and bread crumbs. Spices and herbs like garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper are often added for flavour. Some recipes also include cheese, milk, and vegetables.
Meatballs can be baked, fried, or cooked in an oven. They are often served with spaghetti, marinara sauce, or mashed potatoes.
The nutritional value of meatballs depends on the ingredients used and the method of preparation. For example, the type of meat, the amount of bread, and the addition of cheese can affect the calorie, fat, and carbohydrate content.
Store-bought meatballs tend to be high in calories, sodium, and carbohydrates. For example, three Italian-style frozen meatballs contain approximately 160 calories, 12 grams of fat, 8 grams of protein, and 4 grams of carbohydrates. On the other hand, homemade meatballs made with chicken or turkey instead of beef or pork can be a healthier option.
One recipe for homemade meatballs provides the following nutritional information per meatball: 184 calories, 5 grams of carbohydrates, 23 grams of protein, 7 grams of fat, 3 grams of saturated fat, 93 milligrams of cholesterol, 537 milligrams of sodium, and 348 milligrams of potassium.
It is worth noting that the calorie count of meatballs can increase significantly when they are served with additional ingredients such as sauce, pasta, and cheese.
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Mushroom gravy ingredients
Making mushroom gravy is quite simple and requires only a handful of basic ingredients. The ingredients you will need are:
- Mushrooms: White button mushrooms, cremini, baby bella, or chestnut mushrooms are great choices for mushroom gravy. They add a hearty texture and umami flavour to the dish.
- Aromatics: Shallots, garlic, and onions add a sharp, savoury depth of flavour to the gravy.
- Seasoning: Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for enhancing the other flavours in the gravy and adding a savoury note.
- Herbs: Thyme and rosemary add a fresh, aromatic flavour that complements the other ingredients.
- Thickening agents: All-purpose flour is commonly used to thicken the gravy. Alternatively, you can make a roux with butter and flour or use cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
- Liquid: Vegetable stock is a common choice for a vegetarian gravy. For a non-vegetarian option, beef or chicken stock can be used to add extra flavour.
- Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil or vegetable oil is used for cooking the ingredients and adding richness to the gravy.
Additionally, you can add soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option) to enhance the savoury flavour of the mushrooms. Some recipes also include butter for added flavour and to help make the roux.
To make the gravy, you will typically start by cooking the mushrooms in oil, sometimes with onions, until they are soft and caramelized. Then, you'll add the aromatics and herbs, followed by the flour or roux to thicken the mixture. Finally, you'll stir in the stock or broth and simmer until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
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Calorie count
The calorie count for meatballs in mushroom gravy varies depending on the recipe and the ingredients used. Here is a breakdown of the calorie count for meatballs in mushroom gravy based on different recipes and serving sizes:
Swedish Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy:
According to a recipe from SparkRecipes, Swedish meatballs with mushroom gravy have the following calorie count per serving:
- 115 calories from meatballs (1.5 oz)
- 109 calories from egg noodles (1 oz)
- 65 calories from cream of mushroom soup (0.25 oz can)
- 42 calories from reduced-fat sour cream (0.13 cup)
- 20 calories from nonfat milk (0.06 quart)
Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy:
A recipe from RecipeTin Eats estimates the calorie count for Salisbury steak meatballs with mushroom gravy to be 381 calories per serving. However, it is important to note that this calorie count assumes 5 servings and excludes mashed potatoes.
Healthy Meatballs in Mushroom Sauce:
According to Everyday Healthy Recipes, their recipe for healthy meatballs in mushroom sauce has a calorie count of 341 kcal per serving. This recipe is touted as being lower in fat and calories compared to similar recipes, thanks to the use of light cream and a generous amount of naturally low-carb mushrooms.
Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy (Baked):
Forager Chef provides a recipe for meatballs with mushroom gravy that are baked in the oven. The calorie count per serving (3 oz) is 305 kcal. This recipe suggests using ground venison, resulting in lean meatballs that require a longer cooking time.
It is important to note that the calorie counts provided are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving sizes used in each recipe. Additionally, the calorie requirements for individuals may differ based on their dietary needs and goals.
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Cooking methods
The first step in cooking meatballs in mushroom gravy is preparing the meatballs. The meatballs can be made with ground beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or Italian sausage. For a healthier option, use a meat with a lower fat percentage. However, it is important to note that the more fat a meatball contains, the more tender it will be. To make the meatballs, combine the meat with breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices in a large bowl. Shape the mixture into balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
Once the meatballs are prepared, it's time to cook them. One method is to fry or sear them in a skillet with oil or butter over medium to high heat. It is important to brown the meatballs on all sides, turning them frequently to ensure even cooking. The meatballs should be cooked until they are browned on the outside but still raw on the inside, as they will finish cooking in the gravy.
While the meatballs are resting, you can use the same skillet to make the mushroom gravy. Start by adding butter to the skillet and sautéing mushrooms until they are softened. You can also add garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. For a more robust flavour, deglaze the pan with wine or broth before adding the mushrooms.
To thicken the gravy, create a slurry by mixing flour with water, broth, or milk until smooth. Pour this slurry into the skillet and whisk to combine. You can also add additional ingredients like heavy cream, sour cream, or cream of mushroom soup to enhance the flavour and texture of the gravy.
Finally, return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer them in the gravy until they are cooked through. This allows the meatballs to absorb the flavour of the gravy, while the meatball juices add depth to the gravy. Cook until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
As an alternative cooking method, you can air fry the meatballs at 380°F for about 15 minutes or until they are browned and cooked through. This option provides a similar browning and caramelization to skillet cooking but with the convenience of an air fryer.
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Serving suggestions
Meatballs in mushroom gravy is a hearty and comforting dish, and there are several ways to serve it. Here are some serving suggestions:
Mashed potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with meatballs and gravy. The creamy, fluffy texture of mashed potatoes complements the savoury and juicy meatballs. You can serve it with regular mashed potatoes or go for a healthier option like mashed rutabaga or swede.
Rice
Rice is another excellent option to soak up all that delicious gravy. White rice or steamed rice pairs well with the dish, and you can also add some steamed vegetables on the side, such as broccoli or carrots.
Pasta
Pasta is a versatile option that goes well with meatballs in mushroom gravy. Try it with egg noodles, as they are a popular choice, or experiment with other types of pasta.
Bread
Fresh crusty bread is a great way to mop up the gravy and can be served as a side or used to make a meatball sandwich. If serving as an appetiser or snack, a soft roll or toast can be a perfect base for the meatballs and gravy.
Vegetables
Steamed or wilted greens, such as spinach or kale, can be a healthy and tasty side dish. Roasted vegetables like carrots or steamed broccoli can also add some extra flavour and texture to the meal.
Salad
A light green salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meatballs and gravy. You can also add some crunch to your meal by serving it with a fresh garden salad on the side.
Meatballs in mushroom gravy is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. These suggestions will enhance your dining experience and impress your guests.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of calories in meatballs in mushroom gravy varies depending on the recipe and the ingredients used. Some recipes have as few as 305 calories per serving, while others have as many as 852 calories per serving.
The calorie count of meatballs in mushroom gravy can be affected by the type of meat used, the type of gravy, and the ingredients used to flavour the dish. For example, a recipe that uses ground beef or pork will have more calories than a recipe that uses ground turkey or chicken.
To reduce the calorie count of meatballs in mushroom gravy, you can use leaner meats, such as ground turkey or chicken, and reduce the amount of fat added during cooking. You can also use low-fat or non-fat dairy products and reduce the amount of salt added.
Yes, there are some low-calorie alternatives to meatballs in mushroom gravy. For example, you could serve the meatballs with cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes. You could also use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs to hold the meatballs together.
