These Better Than IKEA Swedish Meatballs are a delightful twist on the classic dish you know and love. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, these meatballs pack a flavor punch with a rich gravy that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and sweet lingonberry jam, this dish is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these meatballs in no time.
- Flavorful Gravy – The traditional gravy elevates the taste, making every bite irresistible.
- Versatile Serving Options – These meatballs are great with mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Ideal for family gatherings or dinner parties; everyone loves them!
- Freezable – Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for easy meals later on.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your tools to make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Frying pan
- Cooking spoon
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl – Allows enough space to mix all ingredients without spilling.
- Frying pan – Ensures even cooking of the meatballs and perfect browning.
- Cooking spoon – Helps in mixing and turning the meatballs in the pan safely.
- Whisk – Essential for creating a smooth gravy without lumps.
Ingredients
These easy IKEA-style Swedish Meatballs are really easy to make at home with a traditional gravy, delicious served with mashed potatoes, peas, and Swedish lingonberry jam.
- 1 brown onion
- 1 large garlic clove
- light oil
- 400g (14 oz) pork mince
- 250g (8 1/2 oz) beef mince
- 100g (3 1/2 oz) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 5 tbsp milk
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- freshly ground black pepper
- light oil
- mashed potatoes, to serve
- green peas, to serve
- lingonberry jam, to serve
- 50g (1 3/4 oz) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp (heaped) plain flour
- 600ml (2 1/2 cups) fresh chicken or beef stock
- 2 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- freshly ground sea salt and black pepper
- 2 tbsp single or double cream (optional)
How to Make Better Than IKEA Swedish Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Onion and Garlic
To make the meatballs, peel and finely chop the onion and the garlic clove before gently frying in 1/2 tbsp of oil in a small frying pan over medium heat for about 6–8 minutes until soft and golden.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Place the cooked onion and garlic into a large bowl. Add the pork mince, beef mince, panko breadcrumbs, egg, milk, sea salt, nutmeg, and black pepper. Mix well using your hands until combined but avoid over-scrunching.
Step 3: Shape Meatballs
Using wet hands helps shape the mixture into slightly smaller than average meatballs. You should get around 44 meatballs. Set aside.
Step 4: Fry the Meatballs
Heat enough oil to cover the bottom of a large frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the meatballs in batches. Turn them regularly until golden on each side and just cooked through. Drain on a kitchen towel-lined plate.
Step 5: Make the Gravy
Pour any excess oil from the pan. Use another piece of kitchen towel to gather burnt bits. Return the pan to heat with butter until frothy. Add flour; whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until nutty brown. Gradually whisk in stock until smooth.
Step 6: Coat Meatballs in Gravy
Add Worcestershire sauce; season to taste before returning meatballs to coat them in gravy. Heat for about five minutes. Stir through cream if desired; adjust consistency with water or milk if needed before serving alongside mashed potatoes, green peas, and lingonberry jam.
How to Serve Better Than IKEA Swedish Meatballs
These delicious Better Than IKEA Swedish Meatballs are not only comforting but also versatile when it comes to serving. You can pair them with a variety of sides and accompaniments to enhance your meal experience.
Classic Pairings
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes provide the perfect base for the rich gravy.
- Green Peas – Simple steamed green peas add a pop of color and sweetness.
- Lingonberry Jam – This tart jam is a traditional companion that balances the savory flavors.
Creative Twists
- Cranberry Sauce – Swap lingonberry jam for cranberry sauce for a festive touch.
- Swedish Flatbreads – Serve the meatballs on warm flatbread for a hearty wrap.
- Roasted Vegetables – A medley of seasonal veggies roasted to perfection can complement the dish beautifully.
Satisfying Salads
- Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad adds crunch and coolness to the meal.
- Coleslaw – Creamy coleslaw provides a contrasting texture and flavor profile.
How to Perfect Better Than IKEA Swedish Meatballs
To ensure your Better Than IKEA Swedish Meatballs turn out just right, consider these helpful tips. They will guide you in achieving the best flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh onions and garlic elevate the flavor profile significantly.
- Don’t Overmix – Gently combine the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Brown Well – Make sure to brown the meatballs properly for added depth in flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning – Taste your gravy before serving; adjust with salt or pepper as needed.
- Experiment with Spices – Feel free to add spices like allspice or thyme for an extra kick.
Best Side Dishes for Better Than IKEA Swedish Meatballs
Pair your Better Than IKEA Swedish Meatballs with these delightful side dishes that enhance the overall dining experience.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes – The ultimate comfort food that soaks up all the savory gravy.
- Steamed Broccoli – Bright green broccoli offers a nutritious and colorful contrast.
- Buttered Noodles – Simple egg noodles tossed in butter make a light, tasty side.
- Swedish Rye Bread – Serve with slices of this dense bread for added texture.
- Pickled Vegetables – Add tanginess with pickled beets or cucumbers for a refreshing bite.
- Roasted Root Vegetables – Carrots, parsnips, and turnips roasted until caramelized bring sweetness to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Better Than IKEA Swedish Meatballs at home can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Overmixing the meat: Mixing the meat too much can lead to tough meatballs. Combine ingredients until just mixed; avoid scrunching them together.
- Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the meatballs can result in a flat flavor. Always fry them until golden to enhance taste.
- Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoned meatballs will lack flavor. Use enough salt and pepper, and taste as you go along.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs or milk can prevent proper mixing and binding. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before use.
- Cooking too quickly: Cooking on high heat may cause the outside to burn while the insides remain raw. Fry over medium heat for even cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow meatballs and gravy to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Better Than IKEA Swedish Meatballs
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
- They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Better Than IKEA Swedish Meatballs
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs in a dish with gravy and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place meatballs in a microwave-safe bowl with gravy. Cover and heat in intervals of 1 minute until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat gently in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock if needed until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Better Than IKEA Swedish Meatballs at home.
Can I use only pork or beef?
You can certainly use just one type of meat! However, combining both pork and beef adds more depth of flavor and texture.
How do I make these meatballs gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Better Than IKEA Swedish Meatballs, substitute regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Can I prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture a day ahead and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to cook.
What should I serve with Swedish Meatballs?
Traditional pairings include mashed potatoes, peas, and lingonberry jam, but feel free to serve with rice or noodles for variety!
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
These Better Than IKEA Swedish Meatballs are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. With their rich gravy and classic sides, they are perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Feel free to customize by adding herbs or spices that you love!
Better Than IKEA Swedish Meatballs
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Better Than IKEA Swedish Meatballs. This delightful dish features tender meatballs simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy, making it an irresistible option for family dinners or special occasions. Served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and sweet lingonberry jam, every bite is a celebration of classic Swedish flavors. With a combination of pork and beef, these meatballs offer a depth of taste that’s sure to impress your guests and leave them coming back for seconds. Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep, this recipe is a must-try for any home cook looking to bring a taste of Sweden to their table.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 (44 meatballs)
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients
- 400g pork mince
- 250g beef mince
- 1 brown onion
- 1 large garlic clove
- 100g panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 600ml chicken or beef stock
- Unsalted butter
- flour
- Worcestershire sauce
- light oil
- 5 tbsp milk
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- freshly ground black pepper
- mashed potatoes, to serve
- green peas, to serve
- lingonberry jam, to serve
- 2 tbsp single or double cream (optional)
Instructions
- Finely chop the onion and garlic; sauté in oil until soft.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked onion, garlic, meats, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, nutmeg, and pepper; mix gently.
- Shape into approximately 44 meatballs using wet hands.
- Fry the meatballs in oil over medium-high heat until golden brown.
- Prepare the gravy by whisking flour into melted butter; gradually add stock while stirring until smooth.
- Return meatballs to the gravy; simmer briefly before serving with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball (40g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
