Swedish Meatballs

Swedish Meatballs

6 servings
This Swedish meatballs recipe has tender, perfectly seasoned homemade meatballs smothered in a deliciously creamy and buttery gravy. Making this IKEA favorite at home is easier than you think!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pepper
    to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

    for frying

  • 1/4 cup butter

    1/2 stick

  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup full fat sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Directions

  1. 1

    Add all the meatball ingredients (except for the olive oil) to a fairly large prep bowl. Using your hands, mix it together and then form 1 ¼ - 1 ½-inch meatballs (use about 2 ½ tbsp meat/meatball and it'll make approx. 25-30 meatballs). Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy clean-up.

  2. 2

    Add the olive oil to a large and deep skillet or a Dutch oven/pot and let it heat up for a few minutes over medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs in two batches until all sides are browned (about 5-7 minutes/batch). It's easiest to turn the meatballs with tongs. You may need to add a splash more oil for the second batch. Transfer meatballs to a plate.

  3. 3

    Pour out most of the fat from the skillet, but keep the browned bits in for extra flavor (don't wipe it out).

  4. 4

    Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once it’s melted, stir in the flour and cook, stirring often, for a few minutes until the roux starts to turn golden.

  5. 5

    Slowly whisk the beef broth in, and ensure the flour has dissolved into the sauce.

  6. 6

    Whisk in the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce.

  7. 7

    Add the meatballs back to the pan and cook for about 10 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and the gravy thickens to your liking (it's not meant to be a super thick gravy).

  8. 8

    Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream. I add it right into the skillet, but you could take out some of the sauce and add it to a cup and mix the sour cream in there first if that's easier for you.

  9. 9

    Season with extra salt & pepper as needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Swedish Meatballs

Swedish Meatballs

4.8(110)45 min6 servings

Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 110 ratings

saltandlavender.com
4.8(110 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Dreaming of those famously tender Swedish Meatballs, smothered in rich gravy, without leaving your home? This recipe brings that beloved IKEA favorite right to your kitchen, proving it's easier to make from scratch than you might think.

What makes these homemade Swedish meatballs truly special is the perfect blend of ground beef and ground pork, seasoned exquisitely with warming spices like allspice and nutmeg. Paired with a lusciously creamy and buttery gravy, every bite delivers that comforting, authentic flavor you crave, setting it apart from store-bought versions.

Prepare for a truly satisfying meal that feels both comforting and elegant. You'll bite into perfectly tender meatballs, seasoned throughout with garlic, onion, and a hint of warming spices, encased in a silky-smooth gravy. This rich gravy is built on a foundation of butter, flour, and beef broth, brightened with a touch of Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce, then finished with the subtle tang and creaminess of full-fat sour cream. The harmonious blend of savory and creamy textures makes this dish a family-friendly favorite, ideal for a cozy dinner or a special gathering. The aroma of simmering gravy and seasoned meat will fill your kitchen, promising a delicious experience.

While the classic blend of ground beef and ground pork offers the best texture and flavor, you could experiment with all ground beef if preferred, though the meatballs might be slightly less tender. For an extra touch of richness, a splash of heavy cream could be added to the gravy alongside or in place of some sour cream. If fresh parsley isn't on hand, a pinch of dried parsley can be used for garnish, though the fresh herb adds a wonderful vibrant note.

These homemade Swedish Meatballs are perfect served over egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or alongside a dollop of lingonberry jam. They make an impressive yet approachable meal for entertaining guests or a comforting weeknight dinner that feels like a treat.

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