Bring the iconic flavors of Swedish cuisine to your table with this delicious Copycat Ikea Swedish Meatballs recipe. Made with a savory blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with aromatic spices, and smothered in a rich and creamy gravy, these meatballs are sure to impress. Serve them with creamy mashed potatoes and tangy lingonberry jam for a truly authentic Swedish dining experience. Let’s dive into the recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed and chopped
- 3/4 lb ground beef
- 3/4 lb ground pork
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Mashed potatoes
- Lingonberry jam
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped onion, chopped bread, ground beef, ground pork, egg, nutmeg, allspice, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Mix the ingredients until well combined, but avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Working in batches, add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer cooked meatballs to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Stir in the heavy cream and continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce, tossing gently to coat.
- Serve the Swedish meatballs hot, alongside creamy mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.
Cook’s Tips and Variations:
- Baking Option: If preferred, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Gluten-Free Variation: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats instead of bread in the meatball mixture, and substitute gluten-free flour for the sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef and pork with plant-based ground meat alternatives, such as Beyond Meat or Quorn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I make the meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months and thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Where can I find lingonberry jam? Lingonberry jam can be found in the international or specialty foods section of most grocery stores, or you can purchase it online.
- What can I serve with Swedish meatballs besides mashed potatoes? In addition to mashed potatoes, Swedish meatballs are traditionally served with lingonberry jam, lingonberry sauce, or pickled cucumbers for a classic Swedish meal.
- Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream in the sauce? Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream if desired, but keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly less rich and creamy.
In conclusion, these Copycat Ikea Swedish Meatballs are a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions. With their flavorful meatball mixture and creamy gravy sauce, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Serve them with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam for a taste of Sweden right in your own kitchen. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the comforting flavors of Swedish cuisine!
These Copycat Ikea Swedish Meatballs are a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Sweden to your own kitchen. Whether served as a main course or as part of a buffet, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try making them for your next meal and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade Swedish meatballs!
