IKEA Swedish Meatballs Recipe: How to Make Them at Home
Homemade IKEA Swedish Meatballs are easier to make than you might think! This IKEA Swedish meatballs recipe gives you tender, flavorful meatballs coated in a rich and creamy gravy, perfect for serving with mashed potatoes or pasta. If you’ve ever wondered how to make IKEA meatballs at home, this is the copycat IKEA meatballs recipe you need.
What Are Swedish Meatballs?
Swedish meatballs, or köttbullar, are a classic Swedish comfort food recipe that IKEA made famous worldwide. Unlike other meatballs, they’re small, tender, and served with a creamy Swedish meatballs gravy. While traditionally paired with lingonberry jam, this recipe focuses on the hearty, savory flavors, no lingonberry jam required!
Why This Recipe Works
- It’s an authentic Swedish meatballs IKEA-inspired recipe.
- Uses simple ingredients for an easy Swedish meatballs recipe.
- Perfectly recreates the creamy IKEA meatballs sauce without the need for specialty ingredients.
What equipment do i need to make copycat IKEA meatballs
- Large Mixing Bowl: Used for combining the ingredients for the meatballs.
- Frying Pan: For cooking the meatballs. A wide, non-stick pan ensures the meatballs brown evenly on all sides and don’t stick to the surface.
- Pot for Boiling Potatoes: Needed to boil the potatoes for your mashed potatoes. A large pot ensures the potatoes cook evenly and gives plenty of room to add water.
- Masher or Potato Ricer: Used to mash the potatoes after boiling them. A potato masher will give a slightly chunkier texture, while a ricer will create ultra-smooth mashed potatoes.
- Saucepan: Required to prepare the creamy gravy. A saucepan will allow you to sauté onions and garlic, then simmer the stock and cream into a smooth sauce.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Used for stirring the meatball mixture and sauce. A wooden spoon ensures the ingredients are mixed without damaging your cookware.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons or kitchen scale: For accurately measuring the ingredients.
- Knife: Essential for chopping onions, garlic, fresh parsley, and any other vegetables or herbs needed for the recipe.
- Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients like garlic, onions, and fresh herbs.
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Ideal for removing the cooked meatballs from the pan without losing their shape or letting excess oil drip off.
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List of ingredients you’ll need to make Homemade IKEA meatballs
- Ground Beef: The base for your Swedish meatballs, providing a savory, rich flavor.
- Bread: Soaked in milk, it adds moisture and helps bind the meatballs together.
- Milk: Adds moisture to the meatballs and smooth texture to the mashed potatoes.
- Caramelized Onion: Sweet, deep flavor that enhances the meatballs and gravy.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness and color, also used for garnish on top of the dish.
- Eggs: Binds the meatball mixture together and keeps them moist.
- Garlic: Adds savory aroma and depth to both the meatballs and sauce.
- Salt: Brings out the natural flavors in the meatballs, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
- Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and sharpness to the meatballs, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
- Ground Cumin: Adds earthy warmth and complexity to the meatballs.
- Flour: Coats the meatballs for a crispy exterior and thickens the gravy.
- Sunflower Oil: Used for frying the meatballs, giving them a golden crust.
- Potatoes: Base for the mashed potatoes, providing a creamy side dish.
- Butter: Adds richness to the mashed potatoes and gravy.
- Heavy Cream: Ensures a creamy, smooth texture for both the mashed potatoes and gravy.
- Water: Boils the potatoes and adjusts the consistency of the gravy.
- Fresh Rosemary: Aromatic herb that adds depth to the mashed potatoes.
- Nutmeg: Adds warmth and spice to both the mashed potatoes and gravy.
- Beef Stock: Provides a savory base for the gravy.
- Onion (for Sauce): Sweet and savory base for the gravy.
Creative Variations for Homemade IKEA Swedish Meatballs
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Elevate your mashed potatoes by adding roasted garlic. The garlic brings a rich, caramelized flavor that enhances the creamy texture and works perfectly with the Swedish meatballs.
- Spicy Meatballs: If you enjoy a little heat, mix chili flakes into the meatball mixture or the sauce. This variation adds a spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the creamy gravy.
- Parmesan Meatballs: Mixing grated Parmesan cheese into the meatball mixture infuses your meatballs with a cheesy, slightly salty flavor, making each bite extra savory and full of depth.
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Add small cubes of cheese like mozzarella or cheddar inside your meatballs for a gooey, savory surprise. As the meatballs cook, the cheese melts and creates a deliciously rich filling.
- Ground Pork & Beef: Mixing ground pork with beef adds extra juiciness and a slightly sweeter flavor to your meatballs. This combination creates a richer, more tender texture that’s sure to be a hit.
- Ground Lamb & Beef: A blend of ground lamb and beef gives your meatballs a bold, slightly gamey flavor. This variation adds a unique twist and makes your Swedish meatballs stand out with a more distinct taste.
- Lean Beef or Turkey: For a lighter version of your meatballs, swap in lean beef or turkey. These alternatives will give you a healthier option while still maintaining that savory meatball flavor.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Homemade IKEA Swedish Meatballs
To make Swedish meatballs like IKEA, combine ground beef, bread soaked in milk, caramelized onions, fresh parsley, and eggs. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and ground cumin. Form small meatballs, coat them in flour, and fry them in sunflower oil until golden. Serve them with a rich, creamy gravy made from beef stock, heavy cream, and butter.
The secret to making the best meatball gravy is creating a rich base with butter, onion, and garlic. Adding flour thickens the gravy, and beef stock combined with heavy cream creates a smooth, creamy consistency. Finish the gravy with a pinch of nutmeg, black pepper, and salt for enhanced flavor.
To make mashed potatoes for Swedish meatballs, boil peeled potatoes until tender. Mash them with butter, heavy cream, and season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. For added flavor, mix in some fresh rosemary. The creamy mashed potatoes complement the meatballs and gravy perfectly.
Yes, you can make IKEA Swedish meatballs without jam. Traditional Swedish meatballs are often served with a rich, creamy gravy and mashed potatoes. The jam is optional, and many prefer serving them with just the savory gravy for a more classic flavor.
How do you fry Swedish meatballs perfectly?
To fry Swedish meatballs perfectly, heat sunflower oil in a frying pan. Roll the meatballs and coat them lightly in flourbefore placing them in the hot oil. Fry them on all sides until golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the pan is not overcrowded, allowing the meatballs to cook evenly.
What spices are used in Swedish meatballs?
The typical spices used in Swedish meatballs include salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and nutmeg. These spices give the meatballs a warm, savory, and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy gravy.
Why Make Swedish Meatballs at Home?
Making this IKEA Swedish meatballs recipe at home allows you to enjoy the flavors you love without the trip to the store. It’s an easy Swedish meatballs recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results. Plus, it’s a simple Swedish meatballs recipe that doesn’t require fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
This authentic IKEA meatballs recipe is perfect for anyone craving Swedish comfort food. Whether it’s your first time trying to recreate these iconic meatballs or you’re looking for the best IKEA meatballs copycat recipe, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Skip the lingonberry jam and enjoy Swedish meatballs with creamy gravy for a hearty, satisfying meal!
What can I serve with Swedish meatballs besides mashed potatoes?
Besides mashed potatoes, Swedish meatballs can be served with other sides such as lingonberry sauce, steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad. These sides add variety and freshness to the meal, complementing the rich, savory meatballs.
Best tips to success
- Use caramelized onions for extra depth of flavor in the meatballs.
- Coat the meatballs lightly with flour for a crisp, golden exterior.
- Don’t skip the nutmeg in both the mashed potatoes and sauce, it adds authentic Swedish flavor.
How to Garnish Your IKEA Swedish Meatballs
- Once your Swedish meatballs with creamy gravy are plated alongside the mashed potatoes, drizzle any remaining sauce over the meatballs for a glossy, irresistible look.
- Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley generously over the meatballs, mashed potatoes, and creamy sauce.
- This adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh, herbal note to your IKEA Swedish meatballs recipe.
This simple garnish transforms your copycat IKEA meatballs into a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning. Whether you’re making these Swedish comfort food meatballs for a family dinner or special occasion, the parsley garnish ensures they look as impressive as they taste!
Preparations Needed for IKEA Swedish Meatballs
Before you start making your IKEA Swedish meatballs, there are a few essential prep steps to ensure everything goes smoothly. This includes chopping, weighing, and cooking some ingredients ahead of time. Here’s a breakdown:
- Begin by soaking the bread in milk and setting it aside
- Caramelize the onion: Slice 1 onion finely and cook it slowly in a pan with a little oil until golden and soft. This will add a deep, sweet flavor to the meatballs.
- Next, chop the fresh parsley (about 3 tablespoons) for mixing into the meatballs and for garnishing. Weigh out the ground beef (400 grams) and crack the 2 eggs for the meatball mixture.
- Peel and chop the potatoes into even pieces for boiling. Have the butter, heavy cream, and rosemary ready for the mashed potatoes.
- Have all the spices ready in the counter for easy access.
- For the sauce, chop the remaining onion and garlic, and measure the heavy cream and beef stock. Set aside the flour for thickening the sauce.
- With everything chopped, weighed, and prepared, you’ll be ready to move quickly through cooking the meatballs, mashed potatoes, and gravy!
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YouTube video recipe on how to make Homemade IKEA Swedish meatballs
Recipe for Homemade IKEA Swedish meatballs
Recipe in cups and grams. You can find the cup measurements in the printable recipe scrolling down at the end.
Ingredients
meatballs
- 400 grams ground beef
- 1 slice of bread
- 50 grams milk
- 1 caramelizad onion
- 3 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
- 2 eggs
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
frying
- Flour to coat the meatballs
- 5 tablespoons sunflower oil
mashed potatoes
- 4 potatoes
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 150 grams heavy cream
- water to boil the potatoes
- fresh rosemary
- salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 250 grams heavy cream
- 175 grams beef stock
- salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Step by step, make the best Homemade IKEA Swedish meatballs
1) step one, Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine 400 grams of ground beef with 1 slice of bread soaked in 50 grams of milk. Add 1 caramelized onion, 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined for a flavorful meatball base.
2) step two, Form the Meatballs
Using your hands, roll the mixture into small, even-sized meatballs. To make them easier to handle and ensure they crisp up during frying, lightly coat each meatball in flour before frying.
3) step three, Fry the Meatballs
Heat 5 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they are golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside.
4) step four, Make the Mashed Potatoes
Peel and chop 4 potatoes into chunks and boil them in water until they are tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain the potatoes, then mash them with 3 tablespoons of butter, 150 grams of heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg. Mash until smooth and creamy, adding a bit of water or extra cream if necessary to reach the desired consistency.
5) step five, Prepare the Gravy
In the same pan you used to fry the meatballs, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté until it starts to look golden brown. Stir in 1 tablespoon of flour to thicken the gravy. Gradually add 250 grams of heavy cream and 175 grams of beef stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Season with salt, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg to taste. Simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to blend.
6) step six, Combine Meatballs with Gravy
You can choose to blend the sauce until smooth or leave it with the pieces of garlic and onions. Return the cooked meatballs to the pan with the gravy. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Let them simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb some of the gravy flavors and become tender.
7) step seven, Plate the Dish
Serve the meatballs on a plate, accompanied by a generous serving of creamy mashed potatoes. Spoon the rich gravy over the meatballs and mashed potatoes for an indulgent and comforting dish.
Homemade IKEA Swedish Meatballs
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl: Used for combining the ingredients for the meatballs.
- Frying Pan: For cooking the meatballs. A wide, non-stick pan ensures the meatballs brown evenly on all sides and don’t stick to the surface.
- Pot for Boiling Potatoes: Needed to boil the potatoes for your mashed potatoes. A large pot ensures the potatoes cook evenly and gives plenty of room to add water.
- Masher or Potato Ricer: Used to mash the potatoes after boiling them. A potato masher will give a slightly chunkier texture, while a ricer will create ultra-smooth mashed potatoes.
- Saucepan: Required to prepare the creamy gravy. A saucepan will allow you to sauté onions and garlic, then simmer the stock and cream into a smooth sauce.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Used for stirring the meatball mixture and sauce. A wooden spoon ensures the ingredients are mixed without damaging your cookware.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons or kitchen scale: For accurately measuring the ingredients.
- Knife: Essential for chopping onions, garlic, fresh parsley, and any other vegetables or herbs needed for the recipe.
- Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients like garlic, onions, and fresh herbs.
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Ideal for removing the cooked meatballs from the pan without losing their shape or letting excess oil drip off.
Ingredients
meatballs
- 400 grams ground beef
- 1 slice of bread
- 50 grams milk
- 1 caramelizad onion
- 3 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
- 2 eggs
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
frying
- Flour to coat the meatballs
- 5 tablespoons sunflower oil
mashed potatoes
- 4 potatoes
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 150 grams heavy cream
- water to boil the potatoes
- fresh rosemary
- salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 250 grams heavy cream
- 175 grams beef stock
- salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
step one, Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine 400 grams of ground beef with 1 slice of bread soaked in 50 grams of milk. Add 1 caramelized onion, 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined for a flavorful meatball base.
step two, Form the Meatballs
- Using your hands, roll the mixture into small, even-sized meatballs. To make them easier to handle and ensure they crisp up during frying, lightly coat each meatball in flour before frying.
step three, Fry the Meatballs
- Heat 5 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they are golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside.
step four, Make the Mashed Potatoes
- Peel and chop 4 potatoes into chunks and boil them in water until they are tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain the potatoes, then mash them with 3 tablespoons of butter, 150 grams of heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg. Mash until smooth and creamy, adding a bit of water or extra cream if necessary to reach the desired consistency.
step five, Prepare the Gravy
- In the same pan you used to fry the meatballs, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté until it starts to look golden brown. Stir in 1 tablespoon of flour to thicken the gravy. Gradually add 250 grams of heavy cream and 175 grams of beef stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Season with salt, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg to taste. Simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to blend.
step six, Combine Meatballs with Gravy
- You can choose to blend the sauce until smooth or leave it with the pieces of garlic and onions. Return the cooked meatballs to the pan with the gravy. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Let them simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb some of the gravy flavors and become tender.
step seven, Plate the Dish
- Serve the meatballs on a plate, accompanied by a generous serving of creamy mashed potatoes. Spoon the rich gravy over the meatballs and mashed potatoes for an indulgent and comforting dish.
Nutrition
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