Copycat Famous Homemade Swedish Meatballs

Who doesn't love a delicious Swedish meatball? Sure, IKEA’s are the most famous, but let's be honest—if you can assemble their furniture, you can definitely make these meatballs. And guess what? They're easy to make, and they're even better! This recipe gives IKEA a run for its money with meatballs that are juicier, more flavorful, and so delicious.

Better Than IKEA Swedish Meatballs- Easy and DeliciousPhoto byRecipe Tin Eats

Pro-Tips:

• Use a combination of beef and pork. The pork adds fat and flavor, giving the meatballs a juicy bite.
• After you make your meatball mixture, allow it to chill. This makes it easier to shape the meatballs and helps them hold together during cooking.
• Be careful not to overmix your ingredients. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
• Keep your meatballs uniform in size. Use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon to ensure all your meatballs are the same size. This helps them cook evenly.
• Brown the meatballs in a hot pan. This step locks in flavor and gives the meatballs a nice texture.
• When making your gravy, use the same pan you browned the meatballs in. Make sure you scrape up all the crispy bits from browning your meatballs.
• Allow your meatballs to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld and makes them easier to handle when serving.
• Of course, you need to serve with a dollop of Lingonberry Jam for that authentic IKEA touch. In a pinch, cranberry sauce will also work!

Better Than IKEA Swedish Meatballs- Easy and DeliciousPhoto byRecipe Tin Eats

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of ground beef (90/10)
• 1 lb. ground pork
• 2 egg
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of minced garlic
• 2 cups of breadcrumbs
• 1/2–3/4 cup of whole milk
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Cream Sauce

• A splash of oil
• 7 Tbsp. butter
• 1/2 cup and 2 tablespoons of flour
• ​1 1/3 cups vegetable stock
• ​1 1/3 cups beef stock
• ​1 1/3 cups heavy cream
• 4 tsp. soy sauce
• 2 tsp. Dijon mustard

Better Than IKEA Swedish Meatballs- Easy and DeliciousPhoto byRecipe Tin Eats

Directions:

1. Start with making your meatballs. Take your hamburger, pork, diced onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, and eggs. Combine everything together until just combined. Next, pour your milk on top and season with salt and pepper. Mix again to combine.
2. Place in the refrigerator and allow to chill for about 30–60 minutes.
3. Warm your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Remove your meatball mixture from the fridge and, using a small cookie scoop, shape it into small round balls.
5. Add the oil to a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides. Be careful not to overcrowd your pan. Once your meatballs achieve a nice brown color, take them out of the pan and let them drain on paper towels while you prepare your next batch. Repeat until all is done.
6. Next, add all your meatballs to a casserole dish (a 9 x 13 inch baking dish will work). Cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Now to make the cream sauce. You will want to use the same frying pan and scrape up all those crispy bits! If you have a lot of grease left over from the meatballs, drain it off.
8. Add the butter to the pan and melt it. Sprinkle your flour over the top and whisk for 2–3 minutes. This will help cook the flour. Slowly pour in your veggie and beef stock, whisking to combine. Next, add your cream, soy sauce, and mustard. Whisk again. Bring your sauce to a low simmer, then let it thicken.
9. Remove your meatballs from the oven and pour your sauce over the top. Serve with mashed potatoes and, of course, some Lingonberry Jam.

Enjoy Friends! ❤️

Better Than IKEA Swedish Meatballs- Easy and DeliciousPhoto byRecipe Tin Eats

References Adapted By:

Stephanie. (2024, August 8). Swedish meatball recipe. The Cozy Cook. https://thecozycook.com/swedish-meatball-recipe/

Karina. (2024, May 29). Swedish Meatballs - Cafe delites. Cafe Delites. https://cafedelites.com/swedish-meatballs-recipe/

Proper, M. (2024, June 22). Easy Swedish meatballs. The Modern Proper. https://themodernproper.com/swedish-meatballs

Charlatan, F. (2024, June 23). Grandma Prudy’s Swedish Meatballs. The Food Charlatan. https://thefoodcharlatan.com/swedish-meatballs/