Swedish Meatballs, often associated with the beloved Ikea store, bring a taste of Scandinavian comfort right to your kitchen. These little round morsels are not just filled with flavor but are also comforting, creamy, and undeniably delicious. If you’ve ever had a craving for this classic dish, here’s your chance to make it at home!

Why Make This Recipe

Making Homemade Ikea Meatballs is a great way to recreate that cozy feeling of dining in Ikea. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make and doesn’t require any special ingredients. You can enjoy these tasty meatballs anytime, whether for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, gravy, and even a dollop of lingonberry jam, making them a versatile addition to your meal rotation.

How to Make Swedish Meatballs

Making Swedish Meatballs involves a simple process, starting with the ingredients, mixing, shaping, and then cooking them to perfection. Below are the ingredients and directions to guide you through the process.

Ingredients:

2 slices white sandwich bread (crusts removed, chopped into small cubes)
1 small onion (brown, white, or yellow)
300g / 10 oz ground beef (mince)
300g / 10 oz ground pork (mince, or substitute with more beef)
1 egg
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (preferably freshly grated)
1/4 tsp allspice powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
3/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp oil
40g / 3 tbsp butter (unsalted)
3 tbsp flour
2 cups beef broth/stock (salt reduced, or substitute with chicken)
1/2 cup heavy/thickened cream

Directions:

Grate the onion using a standard box grater and place it in a bowl with the chopped bread. Mix them well; the onion juice should make the bread soggy. If it’s not soggy, add a splash of milk. Let this sit for a minute.
In the same bowl, add the remaining meatball ingredients except for the oil. Mix everything well.
Using a tablespoon or an ice cream scooper, dollop the mixture onto your work surface to measure out heaped tablespoons. You should get about 25 to 30 meatballs. Roll them into shape.
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown half of the meatballs for about 3 minutes and then remove them onto a plate. Repeat with the remaining meatballs.
Pour off excess oil from the skillet, lower the heat, and add butter, letting it melt. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute.
Gradually add about 1/4 of the beef broth, stirring it in until it thickens. Then, add the remaining broth while mixing until it’s lump-free.
Once the mixture is simmering, return the meatballs and any juices from the plate into the skillet.
Cook at a rapid simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the liquid thickens into a thin gravy. Stir occasionally.
Add cream, simmer for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Serve the meatballs over mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash, and add a dollop of lingonberry jam for an authentic taste!

How to Serve Swedish Meatballs

Swedish Meatballs are best served hot, generously smothered in creamy gravy. They taste amazing over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta. Don’t forget the lingonberry jam for a pop of sweetness!

How to Store Swedish Meatballs

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in a single layer and then transfer them to a freezer bag, where they can last for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Swedish Meatballs

For added flavor, try using a mixture of beef and pork as directed, but feel free to adjust to your taste.
Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet when browning the meatballs to ensure even cooking.
Freshly grated nutmeg and allspice will enhance the flavor of the meatballs effectively.

Variation

Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices according to your preference. You can also serve these meatballs in a sandwich for a fun twist!

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey for Swedish Meatballs?
Yes, you can replace the beef and pork with ground turkey for a healthier alternative.

2. What can I serve with Swedish Meatballs?
They pair well with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or a side of roasted vegetables.

3. Can I make these meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook them.

Enjoy the taste of Sweden with these authentic and comforting Swedish Meatballs right in your home!

Homemade Ikea Meatballs

Recreate the cozy feeling of dining in Ikea with these comforting and creamy Swedish Meatballs, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Scandinavian, Swedish

Servings 30 meatballs

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

Meatball Mixture

2 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed, chopped into small cubes
1 small onion (brown, white, or yellow) Grated
300 g ground beef (mince) 10 oz
300 g ground pork (mince) 10 oz, or substitute with more beef
1 large egg
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg Preferably freshly grated
1/4 tsp allspice powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
3/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp oil For cooking

Gravy

40 g butter (unsalted) 3 tbsp
3 tbsp flour
2 cups beef broth/stock Salt reduced, or substitute with chicken
1/2 cup heavy/thickened cream

Instructions

Preparation

Grate the onion using a standard box grater and place it in a bowl with the chopped bread. Mix well; the onion juice should make the bread soggy. If it’s not soggy, add a splash of milk. Let this sit for a minute.
In the same bowl, add the remaining meatball ingredients except for the oil. Mix everything well.
Using a tablespoon or an ice cream scooper, dollop the mixture onto your work surface to measure out heaped tablespoons. You should get about 25 to 30 meatballs. Roll them into shape.

Cooking

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown half of the meatballs for about 3 minutes and then remove them onto a plate. Repeat with the remaining meatballs.
Pour off excess oil from the skillet, lower the heat, and add butter, letting it melt. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute.
Gradually add about 1/4 of the beef broth, stirring it in until it thickens. Then, add the remaining broth while mixing until it’s lump-free.
Once the mixture is simmering, return the meatballs and any juices from the plate into the skillet.
Cook at a rapid simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the liquid thickens into a thin gravy. Stir occasionally.
Add cream, simmer for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Serving

Serve the meatballs over mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash, and add a dollop of lingonberry jam for an authentic taste!

Notes

For added flavor, consider using a mixture of beef and pork as directed, and do not overcrowd the skillet when browning the meatballs. Freshly grated nutmeg and allspice will enhance the flavor.

Keyword comfort food, Homemade Meatballs, Ikea Meatballs, Meatball Recipe, Swedish Meatballs