Name: Swedish Meatballs (IKEA Copycat) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1 lb ground pork; ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (unseasoned or gluten-free); 1 large egg (lightly beaten); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated preferred); ¼ teaspoon allspice; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 medium sweet onion (grated); 2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley (finely chopped); 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick); ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2 ½ cups beef broth (more if a thinner gravy is desired); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste); ¼ teaspoon allspice; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated); ¾ cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley (finely chopped, for garnish)

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20)

1 lb ground pork

⅓ cup breadcrumbs (unseasoned or gluten-free)

1 large egg (lightly beaten)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated preferred)

¼ teaspoon allspice

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 medium sweet onion (grated)

2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley (finely chopped)

2 tablespoons olive oil

½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)

¼ cup all-purpose flour

2 ½ cups beef broth (more if you like it thinner)

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)

¼ teaspoon allspice

¼ teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated)

¾ cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley (finely chopped)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, garlic powder, nutmeg, allspice, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, grated onion, and 2 tablespoons parsley. Mix with your hands until well combined.

Step 2: Using a cookie scoop, portion the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs, yielding about 30-36 meatballs depending on your scoop size.

Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add half of the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil. Repeat with the remaining meatballs.

Step 4: Pour off excess grease from the pan, scraping up browned bits. Reduce heat to medium-low, add butter, and melt until it begins to bubble. Sprinkle in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Step 5: Gradually whisk in beef broth to avoid lumps. Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, allspice, and nutmeg. Add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, whisking to combine. Slowly stir in the heavy cream.

Step 6: Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer on low heat. Return the meatballs to the pan.

Step 7: Simmer until the gravy thickens and meatballs are cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165° F.

Step 8: Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped parsley before serving.

Step 9: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Add a spoonful of lingonberry jam on the side if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives.

Freshly grated nutmeg adds a brighter flavor than pre-ground—it’s worth the extra effort.

Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure meatballs reach a safe internal temperature without overcooking.

Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the gravy if it becomes too thick while simmering.

Storage

Store leftover Swedish meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also freeze cooked meatballs in gravy for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use only beef or pork for this recipe?

Yes, but using a mix of beef and pork provides a balance of flavor and fat that keeps the meatballs juicy and tender. Using just one type may alter the texture slightly.

What can I serve with Swedish meatballs?

They’re traditionally served over creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Lingonberry jam on the side adds a sweet contrast that complements the rich gravy beautifully.