IKEA Swedish Meatballs Copycat (2024)

IKEA has shared their original recipe for delicious Swedish Meatballs and we couldn’t be more delighted with the final result! This IKEA Swedish Meatballs Recipe is easy to make and tastes just like the real thing! The creamy sauce is spot-on and you will want this recipe on repeat! I’ve created a recipe roundup for what to serve with these meatballs with several great recipes, including homemade lingonberry jam!!

We used to live close to Ikea stores and when our boys were little and we couldn’t visit there without stopping by for their delicious tender meatballs and mashed potatoes.

Browning the meatballs before cooking them in the oven gives them that same texture as having them at the restaurant. The cream sauce is easy-to-make and it’s the ultimate comfort food with the perfect bite of a piece of meatball, a bit of sauce and a bit of mashed potatoes.

You can make these ahead of time in the comfort of your own home and freeze them. Make the cream sauce when you’re ready to enjoy them. It’s a great recipe for busy weeknight!

• Ground beef – I used lean ground beef in this recipe.
• Ground pork – The original recipe from Ikea calls for both ground pork and ground beef. I’ve made the without the pork and they taste different but also delicious!
• Onion – use yellow cooking onions or sweet onion.
• Fresh garlic – if you’re out of fresh garlic, you could add in 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Breadcrumbs – fine, store-bought breadcrumbs. You can also use Panko brand bread crumbs.
• Milk
• Eggs
• Olive oil

Ingredients for Sauce

The iconic Swedish cream sauce has simple ingredients pictured below.

• Butter
• Flour
• Vegetable stock
• Beef stock
• Heavy cream
• Soy sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Optional 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce – I always add this to my traditional meatballs recipe but Ikeas posted recipe didn’t call for it and they were delicious without it!

Step by Step Instructions for the best Swedish Meatballs

You won’t need to preheat your oven until later because the meatballs will chill before cooking.

In a large bowl, combine the beef and pork together.

Add in finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs and egg. Mix with spoon, or with clean hands, then add in the milk, salt & pepper.

Shape into 24 meatballs, cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. The IKEA recipe calls for two hours of chill time. I have made them with 30 minutes chill time and they tasted fantastic.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add meatballs and brown on all sides.

Transfer meatballs to an overproof baking dish. Cover and cook in the oven for 30 minutes.

How to make the meatball sauce

Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in frying pan. Whisk in flour and stir constantly for two minutes. Gradually add in vegetable and beef stock, stirring continuously.

Add in the cream, soy sauce and Dijon mustard.

Simmer over medium-low heat until sauce thickens.

Drizzle over meatballs and enjoy!

These meatballs go perfectly with these Boursin Mashed Potatoes. They’re creamy and have a hint of garlic. Buttered egg noodles, green beans, baked potato with sour cream also pair perfectly with the meatballs and sauce.

The secret to making this sauce is cooking at a temperature that is simmering/bubbling constantly and stirring continuously.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

To store meatballs, place in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat cooked meatballs in 300°F for about 15 minutes, testing the centre to ensure that they are heated through.

To freeze meatballs, place in heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to two months.

More Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipes

Cheesecake Factory Four Cheese Pasta (Copycat) – Enjoy this easy dinner from home with this simple homemade version. Creamy and cheesy, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

Baked Ziti with Meatballs – You can use ziti or your favorite large pasta shape in this quick and easy pasta bake.

Texas Toast Sloppy Joes – Traditionally-flavored soppy joe meat sauce, made from scratch sits on top of toasted garlic bread. This teenager-approved favorite is always a winner!

Sides to serve with Swedish Meatballs

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