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A bowl of Swedish meatballs covered in creamy sauce, garnished with chopped parsley, with a small pitcher of sauce and a bunch of fresh herbs nearby.

Swedish Meatballs Recipe (Copycat Ikea)

Swedish 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!
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: swedish
Keyword: Swedish meatballs
Servings: 4
Calories: 352kcal

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 352kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 770mg | Potassium: 723mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 333IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 4mg
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