Ikea, the Swedish home goods store, has surprised us with the best gift ever: the recipe for their famous Swedish meatballs. They’re a cult classic! So while we remain on “pause,” try your hand at this delicious meatball and Swedish cream sauce recipe. You won’t even have to wait in line to get this snack.
How to Make Ikea’s Meatballs at Home
The recipe calls for just eight ingredients to make the actual meatballs. Ikea even shared a handy set of instructions on Instagram, so we know how to make ’em.
Ingredients
You’ll notice that Ikea’s list of ingredients uses weight instead of volume. If you don’t already have a food scale, these are the models we recommend.
For the meatballs:
- 500g ground beef
- 250g ground pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 100g bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 5 tablespoons whole milk
- Generous salt and pepper
For the cream sauce:
- Dash of oil
- 40g butter
- 40g plain flour
- 150mL vegetable stock
- 150mL beef stock
- 150mL thick double cream
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Editor’s Tip: You can use homemade bread crumbs for this!
Instructions
Step 1: Make the meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground beef and pork, using your fingers to break up any lumps. Mix in finely chopped onion, garlic, bread crumbs and egg. Add milk and season well with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Shape the meatballs
Shape mixture into small, round balls. Place on a clean plate, cover and store in the fridge for two hours (this will help them hold their shape while cooking).
Step 3: Fry the meatballs
In a frying pan, heat oil on medium heat. When hot, gently add meatballs and brown on all sides. This step is one of the best secrets for making homemade meatballs! Then, after the meatballs are browned, add to an ovenproof dish and cover. Place in a hot oven and cook for another 30 minutes.
Step 4: Make the cream sauce
Melt butter in a pan. Whisk in plain flour and stir for two minutes. Add vegetable stock and beef stock and continue to stir. Add double cream, soy sauce and Dijon mustard. Bring it to simmer and allow sauce to thicken.
When both the meatballs and sauce are ready, enjoy with your favorite potato recipe. Then, while you eat a plate of Swedish meatballs, check out this list of secrets Ikea employees won’t tell you.
Don't Miss Our Classic Swedish Recipes!
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Swedish MeatballsMom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas
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Swedish Cream Apple RingsMy mother made this classic coffee cake for every important holiday... Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Now, I carry on the tradition. As I make them, I remember my mom, who was a lot like this recipe: soft and tasteful but full of surprises. The overnight rise let's you make the dough in advance so your morning won't be hectic.—Heather Hood, Hillsboro, Oregon
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Grandma's Swedish MeatballsMy mother made these hearty meatballs when we were growing up, and now my kids love them, too. My daughter likes to help shake the meatballs in flour. —Karin Ness, Big Lake, Minnesota
Cardamom Braid BreadI came across this recipe in 1983 and have been making it for the holidays ever since. One year I gave away 20 loaves! —Rita Bergman, Olympia, Washington
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Updated: Apr. 21, 2020
