This Ikea Swedish Meatballs (Copycat Recipe) is a delightful way to bring a piece of Scandinavian comfort to your kitchen. Whether you’re reminiscing about those cozy trips to Ikea or just looking for a delicious dinner that impresses without stressing you out, this recipe has got you covered. The combination of flavors captures the essence that makes these meatballs a fan favorite. Plus, they’re super easy to make! As you follow along, you’ll find that every step is straightforward and fun. So gather your ingredients, and let’s turn your kitchen into a little slice of Sweden.
Why This Recipe Works
This Ikea Swedish Meatballs copycat recipe captures the quintessential flavors of the beloved dish that has made waves in households across the USA. By using a combination of ground beef and pork, seasoned with onion powder and garlic salt, we achieve a rich and hearty flavor profile. Meanwhile, a creamy sauce elevates the meatballs to a whole new level. The simplicity of the preparation allows home cooks to whip up this comforting meal with ease. You’ll see, it’s a perfect addition to any dinner table, especially when you want something warm and hearty.
Why You’ll Love This Ikea Swedish Meatballs (Copycat Recipe)
Whether you’re craving a nostalgic taste of Ikea or looking to impress your friends and family, this copycat recipe is the answer. Not only does it replicate the iconic flavors that fans adore, but it offers flexibility to tailor the dish to your liking. Everyone will love the tender, juicy meatballs paired with a velvety sauce. It just might become an instant favorite for gatherings and weeknight dinners alike.
Ingredients
To get started, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
Preparing the Meatball Mixture
Combine Meat and Seasonings
First things first: in a large bowl, blend together the ground beef, ground pork, onion powder, garlic salt, black pepper, salt, breadcrumbs, egg, and milk. Ensure everything is fully incorporated. It’s okay if it gets a little messy; that’s all part of the fun!
Roll Into Meatballs
Next, using your hands, form the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. You can make them a bit bigger if you prefer, but remember to adjust cooking time.
Cooking the Meatballs
Brown the Meatballs
Now it’s time to turn up the heat! In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the meatballs in batches. It should take about 8 minutes, turning frequently until they are browned and cooked through. Once they’re done, remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside. You’ll be adding those back in later, so don’t worry!
Making the Creamy Sauce
Prepare the Roux
Using the same skillet, wipe out any bits from the meatballs. Return the pan to the heat and melt the butter. As it melts, whisk in the flour, cooking this mixture for about 1 minute until everything is well combined. This roux will create a flavorful base for your sauce.
Whisk in Broths
Gradually add the vegetable stock and beef stock, whisking continuously. Keep an eye on it as the mixture will start bubbling. This bubbling indicates that you’re on the right path!
Finish the Sauce
Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, allowing it to bubble up again. This part is crucial as it thickens the sauce, creating that creamy texture we all love.
Serving Suggestions
Now for the best part: serving! Place the Swedish meatballs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. Drizzle the sauce generously over the top. If you want to add a little freshness, pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad. You can also get creative and add some lingonberry jam for a traditional Swedish touch!
Tips for Success
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking the meatballs. This helps ensure even browning.
- Allow the sauce to simmer gently to enhance the flavors before serving. A little patience goes a long way!
Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up, here are some variations to consider:
- Swap out the ground pork for turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture for added depth of flavor.
Pairing Ideas
For the ultimate experience, consider pairing your Swedish meatballs with lingonberry jam. It complements the savory flavors beautifully. Alternatively, serve with some crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
A1: Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs, store them uncooked in the fridge, and cook them when ready to serve.
Q2: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A2: You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. However, for a thicker sauce, it’s best to stick to cream.
Q3: Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
A3: Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure that your stocks are also gluten-free.
Q4: How do I store leftover meatballs?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months.
Q5: Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying them?
A5: Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes, or until fully cooked.
This Ikea Swedish Meatballs (Copycat Recipe) offers not just a nostalgic taste but a chance to create lasting memories around the dinner table. It’s a dish that invites warmth, comfort, and joy, perfect for family and friends to gather together. Enjoy every bite and cherish the flavorful experience!
Print
Ikea Swedish Meatballs
This Ikea Swedish Meatballs copycat brings the iconic flavors of the beloved dish to your kitchen. Easy to make and perfect for family dinners!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Blend ground beef, ground pork, onion powder, garlic salt, black pepper, salt, breadcrumbs, egg, and milk in a bowl.
- Form the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Cook meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for about 8 minutes, turning until browned.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux.
- Gradually add vegetable stock and beef stock while whisking.
- Slowly whisk in heavy cream until the sauce thickens.
- Serve meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes with sauce on top.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure even cooking of meatballs.
Allow the sauce to simmer gently for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 100
