Swedish Meatballs Recipe (Copycat Ikea)
Add Preferred SourceSwedish Meatballs are savory, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Easy to whip up and bursting with flavors of nutmeg and allspice, they’re sure to be a hit whether you’re tucking into a cozy dinner or entertaining guests. Plus, who can resist the creamy gravy? It’s so comforting!
Why You Will Love Making Swedish Meatballs
Swedish meatballs are a fun twist on your regular meatball game. Here’s why you’ll get hooked:
- Quick to prep: From start to finish, you can have these meatballs ready in under an hour.
- Versatile: Serve them over mashed potatoes, rice, or even egg noodles. They pair beautifully with many sides!
- Family favorite: These meatballs are a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for leftovers: They taste even better the next day, and they’re super easy to store.
- Great for gatherings: Swedish meatballs are always a crowd-pleaser at parties and family dinners.
- Delicious sauce: The creamy gravy is absolutely to die for—rich, comforting, and perfect for drizzling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Swedish Meatballs with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Here’s how you can create this easy dinner recipe right in your own kitchen.
Mix the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, egg, breadcrumbs, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mixing first with a spoon and then with your hands ensures that everything blends well without overworking the meat, keeping the meatballs tender.
Shape and Cook
Roll the mixture into 1 ½ tablespoon-sized balls. Heat some olive oil in a non-stick, large skillet over medium-high heat and pan-fry the meatballs, turning them frequently until they’re golden all around. Once cooked, set them aside on a plate.
Make the Gravy
In the same skillet, melt some butter and then whisk in the flour to make a roux. Gradually stir in beef stock and let it cook until thickened. Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce and sour cream to finish the gravy, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine and Simmer
Return the meatballs to the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let them simmer in the gravy for about 10 more minutes to soak up all those delicious flavors.
Serve and Enjoy
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve your Swedish meatballs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Swedish meatballs are simple to make, but here are some expert tips to elevate your dish:
- Meat: Using a mix of ground beef and ground pork gives the meatballs a juicier, more flavorful result. You can also opt for ground turkey to make turkey meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: Opt for panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture. Soaking them in a bit of milk can make your meatballs even more tender.
- Sour Cream: If you’re avoiding dairy or just don’t have sour cream on hand, you can use Greek yogurt or even a dairy-free sour cream alternative. Just be sure to add it at the end of cooking to prevent curdling. You can also use heavy cream to make it richer.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix your meat ingredients just until they’re combined. Overworking the meat can make your meatballs tough.
- Uniform Size: Use a small scoop or spoon to measure out your meatballs. This ensures they cook evenly and look neat when served.
- Browning: Don’t skip browning the meatballs. It helps hold the meatballs together. Plus, it adds a delicious depth of flavor and an appetizing golden color.
- Simmer Gently: Let the meatballs simmer gently in the gravy. Boiling them too vigorously can cause them to fall apart.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs and even the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, then simply reheat and combine when you’re ready to serve.
- Gluten-Free: You can make gluten-free Swedish meatballs by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensuring your beef stock and other ingredients are gluten-free.
How to Store Leftover Swedish Meatballs
Leftover Swedish meatballs are almost a rarity, but if you do find yourself with extras, here’s how to keep them tasting great:
- Cool: Allow the meatballs and gravy to cool to room temperature before you store them.
- Refrigerate: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and gravy together in freezer-safe containers or bags. They’ll keep well for up to three months.
- Reheating: Warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the gravy smooth and evenly heated. Adding a splash of beef broth can help loosen the gravy if it’s too thick.
Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Swedish meatballs are as budget-friendly as they are delicious. Here are 3 tips to keep your wallet happy while making them:
- Bulk Buy Meat: Purchase ground beef and pork in bulk when it’s on sale and freeze it.
- DIY Breadcrumbs: Make your own breadcrumbs from leftover bread. It’s cheaper and reduces waste.
- Stock Substitutes: Use bouillon cubes and water instead of expensive stock.
What to Serve with Swedish Meatballs
Swedish meatballs are incredibly versatile, making them a perfect dish for experimenting with various side dishes. Here are a few ideas:
The Classic: Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic choice for a reason. Their creamy texture and mild flavor make them the perfect backdrop for the rich gravy and flavorful meatballs. For an extra touch of luxury, add some butter and a splash of cream to your mash.
Hearty Egg Noodles
If you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier, egg noodles are an excellent choice. They soak up the gravy beautifully, making every bite as delicious as the last. Toss the noodles with a bit of butter, and sprinkle some parsley on top for a touch of freshness.
Lingonberry Jam
One of the most traditional accompaniments for Swedish meatballs is lingonberry jam. Its tartness contrasts perfectly with the savory meatballs, adding a uniquely Swedish touch to the dish. If you can’t find lingonberry jam, cranberry sauce makes a great substitute.
More Comforting Recipes You Will Love
- Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs
- Meatloaf
- Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Air Fryer Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 16 ounces lean ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cup beef stock
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, nutmeg, salt and pepper. We like mixing it first with a spoon until it’s incorporated, then we mix it with our hands, so the mixture is fully combined and soft.16 ounces lean ground beef, 1 onion, 1 egg, ¼ cup breadcrumbs, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon pepper
- Form and roll the meatballs with your hands – they should be around 1 ½ tablespoons in size.
- Heat a non-stick skillet to medium-high and add the olive oil.1 tablespoon olive oil
- Cook the meatballs, moving them frequently, until they are golden on every side. Reserve.
- In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Then, add the flour and mix well to form a roux (a thick paste).2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Once the roux has been formed, add the beef stock and mix it well. Cook for a couple of minutes, or until it thickens.1 ½ cup beef stock
- Add the sour cream and Worcestershire sauce and fully combine. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.¼ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Bring back the meatballs, reduce the heat to low, and cook for about 10 more minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked.
- Serve the meatballs with fresh parsley over mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Meat: Using a mix of ground beef and ground pork gives the meatballs a juicier, more flavorful result. You can also opt for ground turkey to make turkey meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: Opt for panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture. Soaking them in a bit of milk can make your meatballs even more tender.
- Sour Cream: If you’re avoiding dairy or just don’t have sour cream on hand, you can use Greek yogurt or even a dairy-free sour cream alternative. Just be sure to add it at the end of cooking to prevent curdling. You can also use heavy cream to make it richer.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix your meat ingredients just until they’re combined. Overworking the meat can make your meatballs tough.
- Uniform Size: Use a small scoop or spoon to measure out your meatballs. This ensures they cook evenly and look neat when served.
- Browning: Don’t skip browning the meatballs. It helps hold the meatballs together. Plus, it adds a delicious depth of flavor and an appetizing golden color.
- Simmer Gently: Let the meatballs simmer gently in the gravy. Boiling them too vigorously can cause them to fall apart.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs and even the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, then simply reheat and combine when you’re ready to serve.
- Gluten-Free: You can make gluten-free Swedish meatballs by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensuring your beef stock and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Cool: Allow the meatballs and gravy to cool to room temperature before you store them.
- Refrigerate: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and gravy together in freezer-safe containers or bags. They’ll keep well for up to three months.
- Reheating: Warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the gravy smooth and evenly heated. Adding a splash of beef broth can help loosen the gravy if it’s too thick.
