Homemade Ikea Meatballs (Printable)
Tender Swedish-style meatballs in creamy gravy, browned and simmered; serve with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meatballs
01 - 9 ounces ground beef
02 - 9 ounces ground pork
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1/4 cup whole milk
06 - 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for frying
13 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
→ Cream Sauce
14 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
15 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
16 - 1 1/4 cups beef or vegetable stock
17 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
18 - 2 teaspoons soy sauce
19 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
20 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl. Allow to stand for 5 minutes to absorb.
02 - Add ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg to the breadcrumbs. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding excess handling.
03 - Shape the mixture into walnut-sized balls approximately 1 1/4 inches in diameter, ensuring uniform sizing for even cooking.
04 - Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until evenly browned on all sides, about 8 minutes per batch. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
05 - Melt butter in the same skillet. Whisk in flour, stirring constantly, and cook for 1 minute to form a light roux.
06 - Gradually add stock while whisking to prevent lumps. Stir in heavy cream, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Simmer over medium heat until thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Return the meatballs to the skillet, coating them thoroughly in the sauce. Simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, ensuring they are heated through.
08 - Plate meatballs with sauce. Recommended accompaniments include mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and steamed vegetables. Serve hot.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Swedish meatballs at home taste even more comforting when you get to sneak an extra spoonful of sauce.
- I never realized how simple the ingredients were until I tried them myself, and now it&aposs a go-to comfort dinner.
02 -
- If you over-mix the meatball mixture, they turn tough—learned that after my first batch tasted more like dense dumplings.
- Simmering the finished meatballs in sauce lets them soak up more flavor and stay juicy—don&apost rush this step.
03 -
- Rolling slightly damp hands saves you from sticky fingers and uneven meatballs.
- Browning the meatballs well before adding to the sauce is the foundation of deep flavor.