Place ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, onion, salt, pepper and nutmeg in large bowl. Mix well, to combine. Form mixture into 1 inch meatballs; set formed meatballs onto wax paper or foil.
Heat shortening (or oil) in large skillet on medium heat. Add meatballs to hot oil in single layer. Brown on all sides (a minute or two per side). If necessary, add additional shortening (or oil) if necessary, to prevent sticking. When meatballs are fully browned, remove them to a plate, and keep warm.
Add hot water back into skillet (DO NOT CLEAN OUT SKILLET). Stir while cooking on low, to deglaze the skillet and scrape up the flavorful browned bits off bottom of skillet. In a separate small bowl, combine cold water and flour. Mix really well, to remove lumps. Add this mixture to hot liquid in skillet, whisking well while adding. Continue to whisk gravy to remove any lumps. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring often until mixture thickens. Taste gravy... add salt and pepper to season, if desired.
Add meatballs back into skillet. Turn to coat with gravy. Put a lid on the skillet; cook meatballs and gravy for 30 minutes, adding additional water to gravy, if necessary, to ensure there will be enough gravy (as gravy will cook down a bit).
While meatballs are cooking, prepare rice (using the method you normally use to cook rice).
When meatballs and rice are done, place cooked rice in a ring shape around outside of serving platter. Garnish rice with sprigs of fresh parsley. Carefully spoon the meatballs into center of ring, and pour gravy over the top of meatballs. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Mom's Swedish Meatballs and Rice
Amount Per Serving (4 meatballs + rice)
Calories 454Calories from Fat 171
% Daily Value*
Fat 19g29%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Cholesterol 81mg27%
Sodium 978mg43%
Potassium 342mg10%
Carbohydrates 47g16%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 20g40%
Vitamin A 80IU2%
Vitamin C 1.3mg2%
Calcium 90mg9%
Iron 2.8mg16%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.