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! Perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions, these meatballs are sure to impress your family and friends with their rich flavor and comforting texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can master this dish.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of beef and pork along with the creamy gravy creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them with mashed potatoes, noodles, or on their own as an appetizer.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals later.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for gatherings, parties, or just a cozy family dinner.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking these delightful Swedish meatballs, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large prep bowl
- Skillet or Dutch oven
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Large prep bowl: Provides ample space for mixing the meatball ingredients without making a mess.
- Skillet or Dutch oven: Ideal for browning meatballs evenly and creating a delicious sauce in one pot.
- Tongs: Perfect for flipping the meatballs easily while frying.
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. This should yield approximately 25-30 meatballs. Place the formed meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy clean-up.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Add the olive oil to a large skillet or Dutch oven. Heat over medium-high heat for a few minutes. Fry the meatballs in two batches until all sides are browned, about 5–7 minutes per batch. Use tongs to turn them easily. You may need to add more oil for the second batch. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate.
Step 3: Create the Gravy Base
Pour out most of the fat from the skillet but keep any browned bits for flavor. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in flour and cook while stirring often until it turns golden, creating a roux.
Step 4: Whisk in Broth and Seasonings
Slowly whisk in the beef broth, ensuring that the flour dissolves completely into the sauce. Add Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce, mixing well.
Step 5: Combine Meatballs with Gravy
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Cook for about 10 minutes until they are cooked through and the gravy thickens slightly (it shouldn’t be too thick).
Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream
Turn off heat and stir in sour cream directly into the skillet. If preferred, mix sour cream separately with some sauce before adding it back in.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving immediately.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Swedish meatballs!
How to Serve Swedish Meatballs
Swedish meatballs are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re having them as a main course or a delightful appetizer, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
Classic with Lingonberry Sauce
- Serve with Lingonberry Sauce: This tart sauce complements the savory flavors of the meatballs perfectly, adding a sweet and tangy note.
Over Egg Noodles
- On a Bed of Egg Noodles: Serve your meatballs over egg noodles tossed in butter for a comforting, hearty meal that soaks up the creamy gravy.
Accompanied by Mashed Potatoes
- With Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Pairing Swedish meatballs with fluffy mashed potatoes creates a classic comfort food experience, perfect for any occasion.
In a Sub Sandwich
- As a Meatball Sub: Place the meatballs in a toasted sub roll, top with gravy and cheese for a delicious handheld option.
On a Charcuterie Board
- Include on Charcuterie Boards: Add meatballs to your next charcuterie board alongside cheeses, crackers, and fruits for an inviting appetizer spread.
With Fresh Salad
- Serve with Mixed Greens: A light salad helps balance the richness of the meatballs while adding freshness to your plate.
How to Perfect Swedish Meatballs
Creating the perfect Swedish meatballs takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs and spices; they enhance the flavor significantly.
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: Mixing too much can result in tough meatballs; just combine until evenly mixed.
- Brown Well: Ensure you brown your meatballs properly for additional flavor; this step is crucial.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste your mixture before cooking; feel free to adjust salt and spices according to your preference.
- Let Them Rest: Allow cooked meatballs to rest briefly before serving; this helps retain moisture.
- Experiment with Gravy Thickness: If you prefer thicker gravy, let it simmer longer or add more flour gradually.
Best Side Dishes for Swedish Meatballs
Pairing side dishes with Swedish meatballs enhances their flavor and texture. Here are some delightful options that complement the dish beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted to perfection adds color and nutrition.
- Cucumber Salad: The crunchiness and freshness of cucumbers provide a nice contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs makes for a light yet filling side dish.
- Pickled Beets: The tangy sweetness of pickled beets offers an interesting flavor pairing with meatballs.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and balances out the richness of the meal.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are perfect for dipping into gravy or enjoying alongside meatballs.
- Garlic Bread: Homemade garlic bread is always an excellent choice for soaking up extra gravy.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw brings crunch and brightness to your plate, enhancing overall enjoyment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Swedish meatballs can be a fun and rewarding experience, but small mistakes can lead to subpar results. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your meat mixture properly can result in bland meatballs. Be sure to use salt and spices generously.
Overmixing the meat: Mixing the meat too much can lead to tough meatballs. Combine the ingredients just until they come together for tender results.
Not browning the meatballs: Neglecting to brown the meatballs before adding the gravy can prevent them from developing rich flavor. Always brown them on all sides first.
Using low-fat meat: Opting for lean meats may sound healthy, but it often leads to dry meatballs. A mix of ground beef and pork adds moisture and flavor.
Ignoring the gravy consistency: If you cook the gravy too long, it may become too thick. Monitor it closely until you reach your desired consistency.
Forgetting garnishes: Skipping fresh parsley or other garnishes can make your dish look less appealing. A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds color and enhances presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Swedish meatballs in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Swedish Meatballs
- Freeze cooked Swedish meatballs in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can last up to 3 months in the freezer without losing quality.
Reheating Swedish Meatballs
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs in a baking dish with some gravy. Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes.
Microwave: Place the meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds until warmed through.
Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a little broth or water with the meatballs. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about Swedish meatballs, here are some common questions answered:
What are traditional Swedish Meatballs made of?
Traditional Swedish meatballs consist of a mixture of ground beef and pork blended with breadcrumbs, egg, and spices for flavor.
Can I make homemade IKEA-style Swedish Meatballs?
Absolutely! This recipe mimics the beloved IKEA style with tender meatballs smothered in creamy gravy right at home.
How do I add more flavor to my Swedish Meatballs?
Enhance flavor by adding sautéed onion or garlic, or try incorporating herbs like thyme or parsley into the mixture.
Can I substitute ingredients in this Swedish Meatball recipe?
Yes! You can mix meats or use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. Adjust spices according to your taste preferences as well.
How do I know when my Swedish Meatballs are done cooking?
Swedish meatballs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) or when they are no longer pink inside.
Final Thoughts
This recipe for Swedish meatballs is not only comforting but also versatile, allowing room for customization based on your preferences. Whether you enjoy them with mashed potatoes or pasta, these delightful bites will surely impress family and friends. Try making them today!
Swedish Meatballs
Indulge in the rich flavors of homemade Swedish meatballs, a beloved dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. This recipe features tender, well-seasoned meatballs made from a perfect blend of ground beef and pork, all enveloped in a creamy, buttery gravy that’s simply irresistible. Ideal for cozy family dinners or special gatherings, these meatballs will impress your guests and keep them coming back for more. Enjoy them over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even as a delightful appetizer on a charcuterie board. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, making this IKEA favorite at home is a breeze!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Swedish
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
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, egg, panko breadcrumbs, seasonings, and mix gently to combine.
- Form mixture into 25-30 meatballs (about 1¼ inches each).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; brown meatballs in batches for about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove meatballs and prepare the gravy by adding butter to the skillet; stir in flour until golden.
- Gradually whisk in beef broth and seasonings; return meatballs to the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in sour cream before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 meatballs (150g)
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
