Best IKEA Swedish Meatballs

These Best IKEA Swedish Meatballs are a cozy, flavorful copycat of the beloved dish from the iconic furniture store. Juicy beef meatballs are seasoned with warm spices and simmered in a rich, creamy brown gravy. I love recreating this comfort food classic at home—where it tastes just as good, if not better, and I know exactly what’s in it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s hearty, satisfying, and made with simple ingredients. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, and the creamy gravy brings everything together with a silky, savory finish. It’s perfect over mashed potatoes or noodles, and it always gets rave reviews at the table. Plus, it’s a complete one-pan comfort meal with very little cleanup.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the meatballs:

• Ground beef
• Onion (grated or finely chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Egg
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Allspice
• Nutmeg
• Butter or oil for frying

For the creamy gravy:

• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Beef broth
• Heavy cream
• Soy sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. I begin by soaking the breadcrumbs in milk in a large bowl. This step makes the meatballs extra tender.
2. I mix in the ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, and seasonings—salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. I gently combine everything without overmixing.
3. I roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
4. In a skillet, I heat butter or oil over medium heat and brown the meatballs in batches until golden all over. I transfer them to a plate once cooked through.
5. To make the gravy, I melt butter in the same skillet, whisk in the flour, and cook for about 1 minute to form a light roux.
6. I slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking, then add the cream, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. I simmer it until the sauce thickens.
7. I return the meatballs to the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce for another 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people. It takes about 20 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in around 50 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap the beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version. For added depth, I sprinkle a touch of garlic powder or smoked paprika into the sauce. And when I want a dairy-free option, I use plant-based butter and oat or coconut cream for a surprisingly rich finish.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm the meatballs gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. They also reheat well in the microwave in 1–2 minutes. I’ve frozen the meatballs and sauce together for up to 2 months, and they reheat beautifully.

FAQs

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes, I bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–20 minutes until browned and fully cooked, then finish them in the sauce.

What can I serve these with?

I usually serve them over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or even steamed rice. A spoonful of lingonberry jam on the side adds a nice sweet contrast.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Definitely. I often prep and cook the meatballs a day in advance, then store them in the fridge and reheat them in the gravy just before serving.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

I let it simmer a bit longer or mix a small amount of flour with cold broth and stir it in slowly while simmering to reach the desired thickness.

What’s the best beef to use?

I use ground beef that’s around 85% lean—it keeps the meatballs juicy without being greasy.

Conclusion

These IKEA-style Swedish Meatballs are rich, comforting, and full of flavor. I love how the creamy sauce brings everything together and how the meatballs stay juicy and tender every time. Whether I’m making them for a cozy family dinner or just because I’m craving comfort food, this recipe always delivers.

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