Soft on the inside with a light crispy outer layer, these Swedish meatballs are better than those you’ll get at the Ikea! Pairing succulent meat with warming spices and a creamy, flavorful gravy, this European fare will soon become one of your favorite comfort meals.
Whether or not you’ve tried the meatballs from a certain Swedish furniture store, this is an easy, tasty recipe that is loved around the world. Not only does it require just one skillet and one bowl to make, but it will be on the table in less than 30 minutes.
Meatballs
Traditionally, Swedish Meatballs use a combination of beef and pork to give them that perfect blend of flavor, juiciness, and tenderness. However, if you can’t get hold of ground pork or it doesn’t fit into your dietary requirements, just beef on its own will also work as we have used in this recipe.
Breadcrumbs are used here as a binder, making it a great recipe to use up any stale bread you have lying around.
To make sure you don’t end up with tough meatballs, make sure to mix your meat until just combined.
Overmixing will result in a chewy texture that will detract from the gorgeous flavor. To help minimize the cooking time, another good tip is to let your oil heat in the skillet while you form your Swedish Meatballs.
Spices For Authentic Flavor
One of the things that sets Swedish Meatballs apart from other recipes is the unique blend of spices used in the meat mixture.
Allspice is made from the dried berries of the Jamaican Bayberry Tree, with a fragrant flavor similar to that of cloves. Nutmeg helps to add an extra hint of warmth that is key to the unique taste of Swedish Meatballs.
The addition of these spices may sound unusual, but I promise they work amazingly and aren’t too overpowering.
Sauce
The creamy gravy that accompanies most Swedish Meatballs may not be traditional, but it sure is tasty!
Once the meatballs are fried off and removed from the pan, the leftover juices are used in the base of the sauce to help to tie the whole dish together and make it even more flavorful.
The method for making the sauce loosely follows the technique for making a simple gravy, with butter and flour cooked together to create a thickener before broth and cream are added (though unlike traditional gravy, you can add the liquid all at once).
Heavy cream will give you the richest, smoothest sauce, but half and half can also be used if you want to lighten it up (just make sure not to bring your mixture to a boil as this will cause it to separate).
Ingredients & Cooking Method
The full list of ingredients and exact measurements are listed in the recipe card. For now, listed below are the ingredients you’ll need, a quick video and step-by-step guide to help you make this dish perfectly each time.
- Ground Beef – As stated above, traditionally pork is often used when mixing the meat. If you are using pork, use equal part of beef and pork for balance.
- Sweet Onion – Traditionally the onion is grated but dicing the onion finely will work as well.
- Garlic Cloves – Garlic is used to provide a pungent, earthy, flavor to the dish.
- Ground White Pepper – All though you can use ground black pepper if you desire, however ground white pepper is spicier than ground black pepper. Therefore, this will add a hint of heat to the meat and or gravy.
- Tsp All-Spice – This will provide a nutty cinnamon flavor to the meat which works well with the other spices when combined, providing a warm authentic flavor to your Swedish meatballs.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – Is used as a binding agent to hold the meat together.
- Egg – Is used as a binding agent to hold the meat together.
- Milk – Use milk to provide moisture and keep the meat from drying.
Cooking Method
Watch the video and follow the step-by-step guide to help you prepare this delicious, better than Ikea Swedish Meatballs perfectly each time.
Start by mixing together all of the ingredients with the exception of the ground beef in a large bowl. When all combined, then add the meat. Knead together until just combined.
Line a baking sheet or large plate with foil, lightly spray foil with nonstick cooking spray and form the meat into even size balls – about 1-inch. Place in rows on the baking sheet or plate.
Add the butter and heat through. Then add the meatballs a few at a time and cook over medium high heat. Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook until lightly brown or to your desired consistency.
Remove the meatballs from the heat and set side on a paper toweled plate.
Swedish Meatballs Gravy Cooking Method
- Drain the liquid from the saucepan but do not wash the saucepan. In the same saucepan, add unsalted butter and heat over medium-high heat until melted.
- Whisk in all-purpose flour until combined. Add the water or beef stock slowly while whisking. Continue with this process until the flour has dissolved and the sauce is starting to thicken. Immediately reduce the heat to medium low.
- Add in the remaining ingredients and continue to stir or whisk in a circular motion.
- Bring to a light simmer and reduce for 4-5 minutes or until thickened.
- Serve your gravy over the meatballs and noodles and enjoy.
Egg Noodles Ingredients & Cooking Method
Egg Noodles
1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
½ Lb. Spinach (Fresh)
Salt and Pepper To Taste
Cooking Method
Cook the noodles for about six minutes as directed on the package.
Drain and set aside.
In a medium pan, add 1 Tbsp. of olive oil, then add the spinach. Add the noodles and season with salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Remove from heat and plate with the meatballs and gravy.
Recipe Variations – Notes & Tips
Part of the fun of making these delicious Swedish meatballs and gravy is getting creative with the ingredients you have on hand.
Here are ways to substitute the ingredients while still maintaining the authentic flavor.
- Make your better than Ikea Swedish meatballs about the same size from scratch. Do not use frozen meatballs as you will not able to develop the flavor that’s required to make this dish even more enjoyable.
- If you do not have beef stock, you may use bouillon cubes or in this case we used the better than bouillon beef base.
- Season as you go. That way the gravy is exactly as you want it while not sacrificing the necessary spices.
- Cook the meat until light brown on all sides. Keep the meat to about the same size. they do not have to be a perfect ball but it is best to keep them uniformed.
What To Serve With Swedish Meatballs
A pile of buttery mashed potatoes, like this Southern Mashed Potatoes is perfect for soaking up all of those delicious meatballs sauce and makes for a comforting meal that the whole family will love.
For an even simpler side dish, boiled potatoes or pasta can also be served. As far as veggies go, peas, green beans, white rice and carrots are all great accompaniments to your better than Ikea Swedish Meatballs if you’d like to add a bit of color to your plate.
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Better Than Ikea Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Equipment
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 Lb. Ground Beef
- 1 Cup Milk
- ½ Cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 Egg
- ⅓ Cup Onions; Grated or minced
- ½ Tsp. Kosher Salt
- ¼ Tsp. White Pepper
- 1 ½ Tsp. Ground Allspice
- 2 Tbsp. Butter; Unsalted
For The Gravy
- 4 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter
- 4 Tbsp. FLour
- 2 ½ Cups Water or Beef Stock
- ⅓ Cup Heavy Cream or Sour Cream
- 1 Tbsp. Better Than Bouillon
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ Tsp. Ground Black Pepper
For The Egg Noodles
- 1 Lb. Egg Noodles
- 1 Tbsp. Butter
- 1 Tbsp. Oil
- ½ Tsp. Salt or to taste
- ½ Tsp. Ground Black Pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Start by mixing together all of the ingredients with the exception of the ground beef in a large bowl. When all combined, then add the meat. Knead together until just combined.Line a baking sheet or large plate with foil, lightly spray foil with nonstick cooking spray and form the meat into even size balls – about 1-inch. Place in rows on the baking sheet or plate.
- Add the butter and heat through. Then add the meatballs a few at a time and cook over medium high heat. Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook until lightly brown or to desired consistency.Remove the meatballs from the heat and set side on a paper toweled plate.
Swedish Meatballs Gravy Cooking Method
- Drain the liquid from the saucepan but do not wash the saucepan. In the same saucepan, add unsalted butter and heat over medium-high heat until melted.Whisk in all-purpose flour until combined. Add the water or beef stock slowly while whisking. Continue with this process until the flour has dissolved and the sauce is starting to thicken. Immediately reduce the heat to medium low.
- Add in the remaining ingredients and continue to stir or whisk in a circular motion.Bring to a light simmer and reduce for 4-5 minutes or until thickened.Serve your gravy over the meatballs and noodles and enjoy.
Egg Noodles Cooking Method
- Cook the noodles for about six minutes as directed on the package.Drain and set aside.
- In a medium pan, add 1 Tbsp. of olive oil, then add the spinach. Add the noodles and season with salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Remove from heat and plate with the meatballs and gravy.
veenaazmanov
I just love this platter. Rich and creamy and perfect recipe to go for. Looks like a festive dish.
Mirlene
Thank you so much!!!
Tavo
Looks delicious! I am going to be taken a shot at this recipe during the weekend! I wanted something special for Friday night!
Mirlene
Thank you very much. I hope you like it.
Maria
I never tired Swedish meatball ever in my life till I stumbled on this recipe. I had a great dinner so thank you for this recipe. It was easy to understand.
Mirlene
So very glad to hear that. Thank you.
Cate
These meatballs were so delicious! Amazing paired with the noodles – great recipe!
Tara
Ooooh, you had me at- soft on the inside with a light crispy outer layer! These meatballs look absolutely fantastic, especially paired with the egg noodles.
Mirlene
Thank you so much!!!!