IKEA Swedish Meatballs

These IKEA Swedish meatballs are as just as good as the real deal. The juicy, tender meatballs are coated in a rich, decadent gravy sauce with the best flavor. It's a truly unforgettable dish, and you'll love how easy it is to make!

The Best IKEA Swedish Meatballs

I don't know about you, but I think the IKEA Swedish meatballs are the best meatballs in the world. As good as the IKEA version is, I think I've come up with an equally good, if not better, copycat recipe.

These copycat IKEA Swedish meatballs are super tender and juicy with a slightly crisp exterior that's to die for. They're coated in the iconic Swedish cream sauce to make the most flavorful meatballs ever! 

I love making these IKEA Swedish meatballs when I'm having guests over. They always impress and are the talk of the night every time!

You can serve them alone as an appetizer or on top of creamy mash potatoes like these red skin mashed potatoes for a dinner everyone will remember.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients. Although the flavor is like no other, you actually only need a few common ingredients to make the meatballs and creamy gravy. 

Makes great leftovers. Just like these oven baked meatballs, these Swedish meatballs reheat great and taste just as good the next day.

Crowd favorite. These Swedish meatballs are always the most popular appetizer amongst kids and adults. You'll probably want to double the recipe because they're sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

As I just mentioned, the ingredient list for this Swedish meatball recipe is surprisingly straightforward.

Here's everything you'll need for the meatballs:

• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup bread, without the crust
• ¼ cup parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup beef stock or beef broth
• 1 egg
• 1 lb. ground meat (50% ground beef, 50% ground pork)
• 1 tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. nutmeg
• ½ tsp. pepper
• 2 tbsp. olive oil

And here's what you'll need for the IKEA meatball gravy:

• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup flour
• 2 cups beef stock
• ½ cup sour cream

You can use a bunch of these ingredients to make my meatballs and rice, so definitely check that recipe out next for another delicious meatball recipe.

How To Make IKEA Swedish Meatballs

1. Make the meatballs: Add the finely chopped onion, bread, parsley, and beef stock to a large bowl. Process them with an immersion blender until combined. If you don't have an immersion blender, a mortar and pestle will work. Once blended, add the egg, beef and pork mince, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine everything together.

2. Shape the meatballs: Divide the meat mixture and form the meatballs. Since IKEA's meatballs are on the smaller side, I made around 30 meatballs.

3. Cook the meatballs: Heat a large nonstick frying pan to medium high heat and grease it with nonstick cooking spray. Add the meatballs to the hot skillet and cook on both sides until they're golden brown. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs cook for 15 more minutes or until they're fully cooked.

4. Make the gravy: Set a small skillet over medium heat and melt the butter in it. Then add the flour and mix until it's very well combined. Let this cook for a few minutes on low heat until a thin film forms on the bottom of the pan. Add the beef broth, give everything a mix, and let the gravy cook for a few minutes until it starts to thicken. Stir in the sour cream and adjust the gravy sauce to taste with salt and pepper.

5. Serve: Gently add the cooked meatballs to the skillet and mix them in the iconic Swedish cream sauce. Serve the meatballs warm with more gravy poured on top, and enjoy!

Tips To Make The Best Recipe

• Experiment with adding ingredients to the gravy, like soy sauce, Dijon mustard, or Worcestershire sauce, for a different flavor. 
• Drizzle olive oil on your hands before shaping the meatballs to prevent them from sticking. 
• Use a cookie scoop or ice cream scooper to make it easier to shape the meatballs. You can also keep your hands clean this way. 
• Dip the meatballs in the sauce as you eat them for extra moist meatballs.
• Serve IKEA meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes, mini new boiled potatoes, egg noodles, or a side of white rice to make a more complete meal.

How To Store Swedish Meatballs

In the fridge: Store any leftover IKEA meatballs in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

In the freezer: Allow the IKEA Swedish meatballs to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and freeze them for up to 4 months.

Reheating: Transfer leftover meatballs with the sauce to a greased baking dish and bake them at 300°F for 10 minutes or until they're fully warmed through. Add extra time for frozen meatballs or let them thaw in the fridge overnight.

FAQS About This IKEA Swedish Meatballs Recipe

What is IKEA Swedish meatballs made of?

IKEA's Swedish meatballs are made up of a 50/50 blend of ground beef and ground pork, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, and pepper. They're then covered in a gravy-like sauce that's made with butter, flour, beef broth, and sour cream.

Are IKEA meatballs Swedish?

Yes, the meatballs at IKEA are Swedish meatballs.

Does IKEA still do Swedish meatballs?

Yes! According to IKEA's website, they do still serve Swedish meatballs.

How does IKEA serve their meatballs?

IKEA serves their meatballs with mashed potatoes, the iconic cream sauce, and lingonberry jam.

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