Ikeainspired Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a trip to IKEA without the furniture stress? Have you ever craved those Ikea Swedish Meatballs but dreaded the shopping maze? Honestly, this recipe nails that classic flavour! The creamy sauce and savory meatballs are just top notch.
Brief Overview
Authentic Swedish Meatball recipe originated in Sweden, and is a staple. This homemade Swedish meatballs recipe is easy to make. This recipe serves 6 and takes about an hour.
Main Benefits
This best Swedish meatballs recipe has a great flavor. Plus, it's packed with protein. Serve this up for a cozy family dinner.
It's special because it tastes just like IKEA's. This ikea swedish meatballs recipe will be a winner.
Now, let's get to the good stuff. To make our Easy Swedish Meatballs , we'll need some ingredients. It's very simple.
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Shopping List for IKEA Inspired Deliciousness
Right, let's talk shopping for our ikea swedish meatballs recipe adventure. This isn’t just about following steps; it's about getting the right ingredients.
It makes all the difference. I’m channeling my inner Swedish grandma here. We’re aiming for flavor, folks!
Main Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 pound ( 454g ) ground beef (80/20 is your best mate)
- 1/2 pound ( 227g ) ground pork
- 1/2 cup ( 60g ) panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup ( 120ml ) milk
- 1 large egg , beaten, like you're mad at it
- 1 medium onion , diced (about 1 cup / 150g )
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ) vegetable oil, for browning
For the meat, go for good quality stuff! That means getting beef that looks nice and red. Make sure your pork has some marbling, but isn't too fatty.
Gravy (the all-important part!):
- 2 tablespoons ( 30g ) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons ( 16g ) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups ( 473ml ) beef broth
- 1/2 cup ( 120ml ) heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ) soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Beef broth is key for that authentic swedish meatball recipe flavor.
Seasoning Notes: Elevating Your Meatball Game
Allspice and nutmeg? Essential. They give that classic Swedish warmth. Don't skimp! For a bit of extra oomph, a tiny pinch of ground cloves can work wonders.
Honestly, though, the allspice and nutmeg are the big players.
If you're missing soy sauce, a splash of fish sauce will do in a pinch. But try to stick with the soy!
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large skillet or frying pan (non-stick is your friend)
- Whisk
- Meat thermometer (optional, but smart)
Don't have a fancy whisk? A fork works just fine for the easy swedish meatballs sauce mushroom soup . No meat thermometer? Just cut one open to check the inside.
Cooking Method: Achieving IKEA Inspired Meatball Perfection
Right, let's talk about nailing the cooking process for IKEA Swedish meatballs recipe . I'm not gonna lie; the key is all in the technique, not just the ingredients.
Seriously, this homemade Swedish meatballs recipe is killer. Ready to ditch the flatpack meal and dive into some real food?
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, get organized. Honestly, prepping is half the battle. Dice your onion and mince that garlic. Soak your breadcrumbs in milk, too.
This makes for moist meatballs. I’ve forgotten this step before, and trust me, nobody wants dry meatballs! Safety wise, just keep your workspace clean, and wash your hands!.
That's it, it is easy!
step-by-step: The Path to Swedish Meatball Bliss
Here’s how to transform your ingredients into something special:
- Make your meatball mixture.
- Roll into 1 inch meatballs.
- Chill for 20 minutes .
- Brown in oil on medium high heat. Don't overcrowd the pan!.
- Set aside, and make your gravy.
- Simmer meatballs in gravy for 15- 20 minutes .
- Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Serve hot and watch them disappear.
Pro Tips for the Best Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Don't overmix the meatball mix. Honestly, it's a game changer. Also, chilling those little spheres before browning? Absolute must. Prevents them from falling apart.
Now about your meatball sauce … Don't be shy with the butter and flour to create a good roux, the backbone to any creamy gravy.
If you prefer an easy Swedish meatballs sauce mushroom soup , that works too!.
To make-ahead, brown the meatballs, let them cool, then freeze them. Thaw overnight and then finish in the gravy.
This works like a charm when you need meatball recipes easy !. These meatballs pair so well with a lingonberry jam, it's hard to explain what a nice contrast they create.
Recipe Notes
Let's chat about some extra tips for this Ikea Swedish Meatball Recipe . These are my personal thoughts after making this a bunch of times.
It is an Easy Swedish Meatballs Sauce Mushroom Soup , and the flavors are seriously divine!
Serving Like a Pro
Okay, so you've got your amazing meatballs. Now what? For plating, I like to pile the Homemade Swedish Meatballs Recipe high on some creamy mashed potatoes.
A dollop of lingonberry jam on the side? Chefs kiss! For sides, think simple. Steamed green beans or a fresh salad work wonders.
A crisp, dry cider or a light beer complements the richness perfectly. This is a great Meatball Recipes Easy .
Storing Secrets
Leftovers? Lucky you! These Easy Swedish Meatballs keep well. Fridge wise, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Want to freeze them? No problem! Let them cool completely, then pop them into a freezer bag or container. They'll be good for about 2 months.
To reheat, either microwave them or warm them in a pan on the stove with a little extra broth. They taste just like the Authentic Swedish Meatball Recipe when freshly made!
Remix Your Meatballs
Wanna shake things up? For a lighter version, swap out the beef and pork for ground turkey. Trust me, it still tastes amazing! Need a dairy-free option? Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream in the gravy.
It adds a subtle sweetness. For a seasonal twist, add some finely chopped apples to the meatball mixture in the fall.
Talk about a game changer!
Nutrition Basics
Let's keep this simple. One serving of these bad boys contains roughly 550 calories . You are also looking at 35g of protein, 35g of fat, and 20g of carbs.
The protein builds muscles. The sodium is 600mg. It's an Ikea Swedish Meatball Recipe . This recipe also provides vitamin B12.
So, there you have it. My personal notes to help you create the Best Swedish Meatballs Recipe . Don't be scared to experiment.
Food is about having fun! Get in the kitchen. This Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce will be your favorite. This Swedish Meatballs Gravy Recipe will make it an easy process.
You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm craving that Swedish meatball fix! Can I make the IKEA Swedish meatballs recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Like a good cup of tea, these meatballs can definitely be prepared in advance. You can make the meatballs and gravy separately, store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days, and then combine and reheat them gently on the stovetop before serving.
They’re practically begging to be meal prepped for a busy week!
My gravy isn't thickening up. Help! What am I doing wrong with this IKEA Swedish meatballs recipe?
Don't panic! A thin gravy is a common kitchen conundrum, but easily fixed. First, ensure your roux (the butter and flour mixture) is properly cooked for 1-2 minutes before adding the broth this is key for thickening.
If it's still too thin, you can simmer the gravy uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid, or whisk in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water and simmer until thickened.
Can I freeze these IKEA style Swedish meatballs for later? I made a huge batch!
Good on you for thinking ahead! Yes, these meatballs freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer safe container or bag. For best results, freeze the meatballs and gravy separately. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
I'm watching my waistline - are there any healthy swaps I can make in this Swedish meatballs recipe?
Definitely! You can lighten things up without sacrificing flavor. Try using leaner ground beef or ground turkey, and opt for whole wheat breadcrumbs. For the gravy, use a lower fat milk alternative like unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, and consider reducing the amount of butter.
You can add some herbs and spices for extra flavor instead of relying on fat.
What's the secret to getting that perfect, tender meatball texture? Mine always end up tough!
Ah, the holy grail of meatball making! The key is to avoid overmixing the meatball mixture. Overmixing develops the gluten in the meat, resulting in a tougher texture. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed, and then chill the meatballs for at least 20 minutes before cooking.
This helps them hold their shape and stay tender.
Lingonberry jam? What's that, and is it really necessary for this IKEA Swedish meatballs recipe experience?
Lingonberry jam is a Swedish staple a tart, slightly sweet berry preserve that perfectly complements the savory richness of the meatballs. While not strictly necessary, it adds an authentic and delicious touch!
If you can't find lingonberry jam (check IKEA or specialty food stores), cranberry sauce makes a decent substitute. Think of it like adding a splash of vinegar to fish and chips unexpected, but brilliant!
Ikeainspired Swedish Meatballs With Creamy Gravy
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 1g |