This Swedish meatballs recipe brings the beloved flavors of IKEA right into your home. These tender, perfectly seasoned homemade meatballs are coated in a deliciously creamy and buttery gravy that will impress your family and friends. Perfect for cozy dinners, festive gatherings, or even a comforting weeknight meal, these Swedish meatballs are sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can master this recipe.
- Flavorful Experience – The combination of ground beef and pork results in a rich flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Dish – Serve these meatballs with mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta; they fit any meal occasion.
- Creamy Gravy Delight – The buttery gravy adds an irresistible richness that enhances the meatball experience.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Ideal for entertaining guests or family dinners; everyone loves a good meatball!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making Swedish meatballs, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet or Dutch oven
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Tongs
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl – Provides enough space for combining all the ingredients without spilling.
- Skillet or Dutch oven – Essential for frying the meatballs evenly and creating a flavorful gravy.
- Baking sheet – Helps keep your workspace clean while allowing you to easily handle multiple meatballs at once.
Ingredients
This Swedish meatballs recipe has tender, perfectly seasoned homemade meatballs smothered in a deliciously creamy and buttery gravy. Making this IKEA favorite at home is easier than you think!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 pound ground pork
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Pepper (to taste)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
– 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
– 1/3 cup flour
– 3 cups beef broth
– 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 cup full fat sour cream
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Swedish Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Add all the meatball ingredients (except for the olive oil) to a fairly large prep bowl. Using your hands, mix it together thoroughly. Form 1 ¼ – 1 ½-inch meatballs using about 2 ½ tablespoons of mixture per meatball. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Fry the Meatballs
Add the olive oil to a large skillet or Dutch oven and heat it over medium-high heat for a few minutes. Fry the meatballs in two batches until all sides are browned, which should take about 5–7 minutes per batch. Use tongs to turn them easily. You may need to add extra oil for the second batch. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate.
Step 3: Make the Gravy Base
Pour out most of the fat from the skillet but keep those flavorful browned bits in. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook while stirring frequently for several minutes until it turns golden.
Step 4: Create the Gravy
Slowly whisk in the beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps from the flour. Then add in the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce while continuing to whisk until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Meatballs with Gravy
Return the cooked meatballs back into the skillet. Cook them in the gravy for about 10 minutes or until they are fully cooked through and the gravy thickens slightly as desired.
Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream
Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream directly into the skillet for added creaminess. If preferred, mix it separately with some sauce before adding it back in.
Step 7: Serve
Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving immediately.
Enjoy your homemade Swedish Meatballs!
How to Serve Swedish Meatballs
Swedish meatballs are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these delicious meatballs can be paired with various sides and sauces to enhance their flavor.
With Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect base to soak up the rich gravy from the Swedish meatballs, creating a comforting meal.
On Top of Egg Noodles
- Serving Swedish meatballs over egg noodles adds a delightful texture and makes for a hearty dish that’s sure to please.
In a Sub Sandwich
- For a fun twist, place meatballs in a sub roll, top with gravy and cheese, and enjoy a delicious meatball sandwich.
With Lingonberry Sauce
- This traditional Swedish accompaniment adds a sweet-tart contrast to the savory meatballs, balancing out the flavors beautifully.
Over Rice
- Serving Swedish meatballs over fluffy rice provides an easy way to enjoy the dish, making it filling and satisfying.
As Appetizers
- Skewers of Swedish meatballs make for a great party appetizer. Serve with toothpicks and extra gravy or lingonberry sauce for dipping.
How to Perfect Swedish Meatballs
To achieve the ultimate homemade Swedish meatballs, consider these helpful tips. These suggestions will ensure your meatballs are tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.
- Use a mix of meats: Combining ground beef and pork gives your meatballs depth of flavor and keeps them juicy.
- Don’t overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Chill before cooking: Allowing the formed meatballs to chill in the fridge helps them hold their shape while cooking.
- Brown properly: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the meatballs. Browning enhances the flavor through caramelization.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste your mixture before forming into balls. This allows you to adjust salt and spices as needed.
- Simmer gently: Cook the meatballs in sauce on low heat to avoid breaking them apart while ensuring they cook through evenly.
Best Side Dishes for Swedish Meatballs
Pairing side dishes with your Swedish meatballs can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement this hearty dish well.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds color and nutrients to your plate.
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Tossed with olive oil and roasted until crispy, these sprouts provide a delightful crunch alongside your meatballs.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar balances out the richness of the meatballs nicely.
- Riced Cauliflower: This low-carb alternative offers a light side option that pairs well with creamy gravies.
- Grilled Asparagus: Seasoned asparagus grilled to perfection adds elegance and complements the flavors of Swedish meatballs.
- Bread Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up gravy, making them an excellent addition to any meal featuring meatballs.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity that contrasts beautifully with the savory flavors of the dish.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned well serve as an enjoyable side that everyone loves.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Swedish meatballs, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overmixing the meat: Too much mixing can lead to tough meatballs. Mix just enough until combined for a tender texture.
- Skipping the browning step: Skipping browning means missing out on flavor. Always brown your meatballs to enhance the dish’s overall taste.
- Not using enough seasoning: Under-seasoned meatballs can be bland. Don’t forget to taste and adjust your seasonings as needed.
- Ignoring the gravy thickness: A thin gravy can ruin the dish’s appeal. Adjust the flour or broth to achieve your desired gravy consistency.
- Serving immediately after cooking: Letting meatballs rest allows flavors to meld. Give them a few minutes before serving for the best taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing Swedish Meatballs
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Swedish Meatballs
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs in a baking dish with a splash of broth. Cover and bake for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish with some gravy. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.
- Stovetop: In a skillet, warm over medium heat with some gravy, stirring occasionally for about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Swedish meatballs that might help you perfect your recipe.
What are Swedish Meatballs typically served with?
Swedish meatballs are often served with mashed potatoes or egg noodles, along with lingonberry sauce for added flavor.
Can I make Swedish Meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time, then store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
How do I know when my Swedish Meatballs are done?
Use an instant-read thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
What can I substitute for ground pork in Swedish Meatballs?
You can use ground turkey or chicken as alternatives if you prefer a leaner option while still maintaining flavor.
Are there any variations of Swedish Meatballs?
Absolutely! You can try adding different spices or herbs such as parsley or dill for unique flavors tailored to your preferences.
Final Thoughts
This recipe for Swedish meatballs is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it according to your taste. Whether you’re serving it at family dinners or special gatherings, these comforting meatballs are sure to impress. Try experimenting with different sides and sauces!
Swedish Meatballs
Indulge in the hearty goodness of homemade Swedish meatballs, inspired by the beloved flavors of IKEA. These tender meatballs are a delightful blend of ground beef and pork, enveloped in a rich, creamy gravy that elevates any meal. Perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable comfort food experience that will leave your family and friends asking for seconds. With straightforward instructions and easy-to-find ingredients, you can create this classic dish right from your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- ¼ cup butter (1/2 stick)
- ⅓ cup flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup full-fat sour cream
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, egg, panko breadcrumbs, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, allspice, nutmeg, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs (about 1¼ – 1½ inches) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides (5–7 minutes per batch). Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour until golden. Gradually add beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Stir in Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Return meatballs to the skillet and simmer for about 10 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove from heat and stir in sour cream for added creaminess. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (200g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
