ikea swedish meatball recipe

The Best ikea swedish meatball recipe

IKEA Swedish Meatballs Recipe

4.9 from 894 votes

A classic Swedish meatball dish featuring tender meatballs in a rich tomato-based sauce, perfect for a cozy family meal. These meatballs are traditionally served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.

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Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time45 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time65 mins

Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
• 1/2 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (240ml) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For Serving

• 2 cups (400g) mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup (120ml) lingonberry jam
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, flour, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, allspice, and egg. Mix well until evenly coated.
2. 2
   Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch (4cm) balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush lightly with butter and bake for 15 minutes.
3. 3
   While meatballs bake, prepare the sauce. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. 4
   After 15 minutes, reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Add the meatballs to the skillet with the sauce and bake for another 20-25 minutes, basting occasionally with the sauce until meatballs are cooked through.
5. 5
   Meanwhile, prepare mashed potatoes according to your recipe. Once meatballs are done, transfer them to a serving dish. Spoon mashed potatoes on top, drizzle with lingonberry jam, and garnish with fresh parsley.

🔧Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Food processor or mortar and pestle (optional for garlic)
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Baking sheet
• Oven
• Knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon
• Slotted spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

• For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or a pinch of cinnamon to the sauce.
• Ensure meatballs are cooked through by checking internal temperature (165°F/74°C).
• Substitute ground pork or lamb for beef if desired.
• Make ahead: Meatballs can be baked and stored in sauce in the fridge for up to 3 days.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About IKEA Swedish Meatballs

1. What are the key ingredients for making authentic IKEA Swedish meatballs?

The key ingredients include ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork), dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, butter, beaten eggs, all-purpose flour (for coating), Swedish meatball sauce (a mix of beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and a touch of sugar), and butter or oil for frying.

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2. How do I ensure my meatballs stay moist and tender while frying?

To keep them moist, pre-cook the meatballs in a pan with butter and broth (instead of just frying) before adding the sauce. Alternatively, bake them instead of frying (baking retains moisture better). Also, chill the meat mixture for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent them from falling apart. Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying to ensure even cooking.

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3. Can I substitute any ingredients in the IKEA-style meatball recipe?

Yes, but keep the balance in mind:
– Ground beef can be replaced with pork, lamb, or a mix, but beef is traditional.
– Dried parsley can be swapped for fresh parsley (use 1 tbsp fresh for every 1 tbsp dried).
– Butter can be used in place of oil, but some recipes prefer a mix for extra flavor.
– Eggs can be omitted (though they help bind), but adding 1 tsp cornstarch to the flour coating can help.
– For the sauce, ketchup can be reduced or omitted, but adding a splash of apple cider vinegar enhances depth.

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4. What’s the best way to serve IKEA Swedish meatballs with the traditional sides?

The classic pairing includes:
– Swedish meatball sauce (from the recipe) or gravy (made with pan drippings, flour, and broth).
– Mashed potatoes (creamy, buttery, and slightly buttery—like IKEA’s version).
– Steamed green beans (lightly salted or with a splash of butter and lemon).
– Pickles or cucumber salad (for a tangy contrast, like IKEA’s “Pickles & Mustard” or “Cucumber Salad”).
– Rye bread (for dipping or serving alongside).

For extra authenticity, add a small side of lingonberry jam or a drizzle of cream sauce on top.

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5. Why do my meatballs turn out dense or dry instead of fluffy and juicy?

Several factors can cause this:
– Overworking the meat (don’t mix too vigorously; overhandling makes them tough).
– Not chilling the mixture (leads to uneven cooking; chill for 30+ minutes).
– Using too much flour (can dry them out; use just enough to coat, then remove excess).
– Frying at too low a temperature (meatballs should sizzle and cook through in 3–4 minutes per side).
– Skipping the pre-cooking step (pan-frying before adding sauce helps retain moisture).
– Using cold meat (thaw meat at room temp for even cooking).

For best results, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes (covered with foil for the first 15 mins) instead of frying.