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Best IKEA Swedish Meatballs

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These Best IKEA Swedish Meatballs are a rich and comforting copycat recipe featuring tender beef meatballs simmered in a creamy, savory brown gravy. It’s the ultimate homemade version of the iconic dish, perfect over mashed potatoes or noodles.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 onion, grated or finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp allspice
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp butter or oil (for frying)
  • For the gravy:
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes.
  2. Add ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Form into small meatballs (1 to 1.5 inches wide).
  4. Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, cooking until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, melt butter for the gravy. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  6. Gradually whisk in beef broth, then add heavy cream, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Simmer until thickened.
  7. Return meatballs to skillet and simmer in the gravy for 10–15 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
  8. Serve warm over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.

Notes

  • Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • Add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
  • For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and cream alternatives.
  • Freeze cooked meatballs and gravy together for easy meals.
  • Serve with lingonberry jam for a traditional Swedish touch.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/best-ikea-swedish-meatballs/