There’s no denying that one of the highlights of visiting an Ikea store is indulging in their mouthwatering Swedish meatballs.
The popular dish, a staple in the store’s restaurants, has grown a cult following for its juicy meatballs and the creamy sauce accompanying it.
That’s right, Ikea has generously shared their sought-after Swedish meatball recipe so that you can taste this classic treat anytime you want.
How to Make Ikea Swedish Meatballs
In this section, you’ll learn how to make the iconic Ikea Swedish meatballs.
Ingredients List
To make Ikea Swedish meatballs, you’ll need the following ingredients: the meatballs and the cream sauce.
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
- 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 5 tablespoons whole milk
- Generous salt and black pepper to taste
For the cream sauce:
- Dash of oil
- 40g unsalted butter
- 40g plain flour (all-purpose flour)
- 150mL vegetable or beef broth
- 150mL thick double cream
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Step-by-step process
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare an ovenproof dish or baking sheet.
Step 2:
Combine ground beef, ground pork, crushed garlic, bread crumbs, egg, and whole milk in a large mixing bowl.
Season with salt and black pepper to your liking.
Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3:
Shape the mixture into small, round meatballs.
Keep in mind that their size may affect the overall cooking time.
Place the shaped meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet or ovenproof dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
Step 4:
Bake the meatballs in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked and golden brown.
Step 5:
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the cream sauce.
In a medium saucepan, heat a dash of oil and the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Once the butter has melted, add the plain flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth paste.
Step 6:
Add vegetable or beef broth to the saucepan, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Then, stir in the thick double cream, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard.
Continue to cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 7:
Once the meatballs have finished cooking and the cream sauce is ready, serve the meatballs with a generous spoonful of cream sauce on top.
Enjoy your homemade Ikea Swedish meatballs!
Side Dishes for Ikea Swedish Meatballs
When enjoying your Ikea Swedish Meatballs, having suitable side dishes can elevate the whole meal.
Here, we will explore some classic sides that perfectly complement those flavorful meatballs, taking your culinary experience to the next level.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes make for a comforting, versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with Swedish meatballs.
The creamy texture of the potatoes complements the rich sauce on the meatballs, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Green Beans
Adding a side of veggies to your Ikea meatball dish provides the necessary vitamins and minerals and brings a pop of color to your plate.
Green beans, steamed or sautéed with some garlic, add a touch of crunchiness and freshness to the dish that works well with the tender meatballs and smooth gravy.
Ingredients Substitutes
Swedish meatballs are a classic dish that many of us have come to love, especially from IKEA.
However, sometimes you may find that you don’t have all the ingredients or prefer alternative options.
This section will cover some ingredient substitutes for IKEA’s Swedish meatball recipe to help you create the perfect dish.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream is essential for the rich and creamy sauce in IKEA Swedish meatballs.
If you don’t have heavy cream or want to cut down on fat, you can substitute it with sour cream for similar creaminess with a slightly tangy flavor.
Alternatively, combine whole milk and a tablespoon of cornstarch to create a thick, creamy texture.
How to Store Ikea Swedish Meatballs
Storing your Ikea Swedish Meatballs properly will ensure they retain their flavor and stay fresh.
The following storage methods will help you keep your meatballs in excellent condition.
Storing in the refrigerator
To store cooked Ikea Swedish Meatballs in the refrigerator, first, let them cool down to room temperature.
Then, place the meatballs in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic or aluminum foil.
Store the meatballs in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to reheat them, heat a few tablespoons of butter over medium heat and add the meatballs, tossing occasionally until warmed through.
Storing in the freezer
If you plan on storing your Ikea Swedish Meatballs in the freezer, cool them down first.
Once cooled, arrange the meatballs on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer, separated so they don’t stick together.
Freeze the meatballs on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes to ensure they hold their shape.
Then, transfer the partially frozen meatballs into a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
Label the container with the date and store the meatballs in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat, defrost the meatballs in the refrigerator or microwave, then fry them in a few tablespoons of butter until warmed through and golden brown.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when preparing Ikea Swedish Meatballs.
Overcrowding the Pan
When searing your Swedish meatballs on medium-high heat, avoid overcrowding the pan.
This could cause the meatballs to steam instead of searing and browning properly.
Ideally, you should leave some space between each meatball for even cooking.
Skimping on Sauce
The savory cream sauce is essential to the IKEA Swedish meatballs recipe.
Ensure you have enough sauce to coat the meatballs and complement their flavor generously.
Prepare the sauce according to the recipe, and don’t hesitate to make extra if necessary.
Improper Seasoning
It’s important to properly season your meatballs to achieve that authentic taste.
Generally, the recipe calls for a teaspoon of salt, but feel free to adjust the amount to your taste.
Don’t forget to season the creamy sauce as well, as it should have a well-balanced, savory flavor.
