Ikea Meatball Copycat Recipe: Unlock the Secret to Authentic Swedish Flavor at Home

There’s something magical about biting into those perfectly seasoned Ikea meatballs. I remember the first time I tasted them during a trip to Sweden, and I couldn’t get enough. The savory blend of spices and tender texture made them unforgettable.

Determined to recreate that delicious experience at home, I embarked on the quest for the perfect copycat recipe. After some experimentation, I finally nailed the flavors and techniques that make Ikea’s meatballs so irresistible. Now, you can enjoy this classic favorite anytime you want, right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Tools and Equipment

To recreate these delicious Ikea meatballs at home, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what I use in my kitchen:

• Mixing Bowls
• Essential for combining meat and ingredients evenly.
• Meat Grinder or Food Processor
• For achieving the perfect meat texture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for consistent flavor.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula
• Helps in thoroughly mixing the meat mixture without overworking it.
• Sauté Pan
• Ideal for browning the meatballs to that signature tender texture.
• Whisk
• Necessary for blending the gravy ingredients smoothly.
• Knife and Cutting Board
• For prepping onions and other ingredients with precision.
• Oven-Broiler (Optional)
• To achieve an extra golden finish on the meatballs if desired.
• Serving Platter
• Presents your homemade meatballs beautifully, just like at Ikea.

Instructions

Follow these steps to recreate Ikea’s iconic meatballs in your kitchen.

Make the Meatballs

1. Combine the Meats

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef and 1/2 pound of ground pork. Mix gently to blend the meats without overworking them.

1. Add the Breadcrumb Mixture

In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 1/4 cup of milk. Let it sit for a minute until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk. Pour this mixture into the meat blend.

1. Incorporate the Seasonings

Add 1 finely chopped onion, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of allspice to the bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

1. Bind the Mixture

Crack in one large egg and stir the mixture until it holds together. If the mixture is too loose, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs.

1. Form the Meatballs

Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, uniform meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

1. Chill the Meatballs

Refrigerate the meatballs for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps them maintain their shape during cooking.

Prepare the Sauce

1. Sauté the Onions

In a large sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

1. Add the Flour

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the onions. Stir continuously for 2 minutes to cook the flour, forming a roux.

1. Incorporate the Liquids

Gradually whisk in 2 cups of beef broth and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

1. Season the Sauce

Add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

1. Finish with Cream

Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream to create a rich, smooth consistency. Keep the sauce warm on low heat while you cook the meatballs.

Cook and Combine

1. Brown the Meatballs

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chilled meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown each side for about 2-3 minutes until they develop a golden crust.

1. Simmer in Sauce

Transfer the browned meatballs to the prepared sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let them simmer in the sauce for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.

1. Thicken the Gravy

If the sauce needs thickening, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the mixture into the sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.

1. Serve

Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve hot with mashed potatoes or lingonberry sauce for an authentic Ikea experience.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing your Ikea meatballs in advance not only saves time but also enhances the flavors. Here’s how I streamline the process to ensure a delicious meal when you’re ready to serve.

Prepare the Meatballs Ahead

1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, and your chosen seasonings.

1. Shape the Meatballs

• Using your hands, form the mixture into uniform meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Consistency ensures even cooking.

1. Chill the Meatballs

• Place the shaped meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. Chilling helps them hold their shape during cooking.

1. Freeze for Later Use

• Arrange the chilled meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Prepare the Sauce in Advance

1. Sauté the Onions

• In a saucepan, sauté finely chopped onions in butter until translucent and golden. Let them cool to room temperature.

1. Make the Roux

• In a separate container, combine flour with a bit of butter. Store this mixture until you’re ready to make the sauce.

1. Store Sauce Ingredients

• Keep beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, and heavy cream in separate labeled containers in the refrigerator.

Assembling on the Day of Serving

1. Cook the Meatballs

• If frozen, thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight. Brown them in a sauté pan with olive oil until all sides are golden.

1. Prepare the Sauce

• Reheat the sautéed onions and roux in a saucepan. Gradually add beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
• Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Add to the sauce and simmer until thickened.
• Stir in heavy cream for a rich finish.

1. Combine and Simmer

• Add the browned meatballs to the sauce. Let them simmer together for 15-20 minutes to meld the flavors.

1. Garnish and Serve

• Transfer to a serving platter, garnishing with fresh parsley. Serve alongside mashed potatoes or lingonberry sauce for an authentic Ikea experience.

Serving Suggestions

Once you’ve perfected your Ikea meatballs, it’s time to elevate your dining experience with thoughtful serving ideas. Here’s how I like to present and pair these delicious meatballs to capture that authentic Swedish flair.

Classic Swedish Style

1. Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy and buttery, mashed potatoes are the perfect base for soaking up the rich gravy.
• Preparation Tips:
• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a smooth texture.
• Add a splash of cream and a dollop of butter while mashing for extra richness.

1. Lingonberry Sauce

• The tartness of lingonberry sauce provides a delightful contrast to the savory meatballs.
• Serving Tips:
• Spoon a generous amount beside the meatballs.
• Garnish with fresh lingonberries for an authentic touch.

1. Rich Gravy

• Ensure your gravy is thick and flavorful to complement the meatballs.
• Preparation Tips:
• Simmer the gravy until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Additional Accompaniments

Presentation Ideas

• Platter Arrangement

• Arrange meatballs neatly on a large serving platter.
• Place side dishes in separate bowls for an organized and appealing look.

• Garnishes

• Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the meatballs for a burst of color.
• Add a few sprigs of thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.

• Individual Servings

• For a more personalized touch, serve meatballs and sides on individual plates.
• This allows each guest to customize their portion to their liking.

Beverage Pairings

• Swedish Beers

• Light lagers or pilsners complement the savory flavors of the meatballs.

• Red Wine

• A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot pairs well with the richness of the dish.
• Sparkling water with a slice of lemon adds a refreshing balance to the meal.

Tips and Tricks

Achieving the perfect Ikea meatballs at home is all about attention to detail. Here are my top tips to ensure your copycat version is just as delicious as the original:

Balance the Meat Blend

Using a combination of ground beef and ground pork gives the meatballs their signature tenderness and flavor. I recommend a ratio of 70% beef to 30% pork. The pork adds moisture and richness, while the beef provides a robust taste.

Perfectly Soften the Onions

Finely chopping the onions and sautéing them before adding to the meat mixture enhances the overall flavor. I lightly sauté the onions until they’re translucent and slightly caramelized. This step adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory meatballs.

Use Fresh Breadcrumbs

For the best texture, opt for fresh breadcrumbs instead of store-bought. I make my own by pulsing day-old bread in a food processor until it reaches a fine consistency. Fresh breadcrumbs absorb the milk better, keeping the meatballs moist and tender.

Chill the Mixture

After combining all the ingredients, I let the meatball mixture chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes shaping the meatballs easier, ensuring they hold their form during cooking.

Achieve a Golden Brown Exterior

When browning the meatballs, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. I cook them in batches, giving each meatball enough space to develop a beautiful golden crust. This not only adds flavor but also improves the overall texture.

Enhance the Gravy with Soy Sauce

A splash of soy sauce in the gravy deepens the umami flavor, making the sauce more complex and savory. I add about 1 tablespoon of soy sauce when preparing the gravy, balancing it perfectly with the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.

Thicken the Sauce Smoothly

To avoid lumps in the gravy, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the sauce. I stir continuously as I incorporate the slurry, ensuring a silky smooth gravy that clings beautifully to the meatballs.

Infuse Fresh Herbs

Adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme right before serving brightens the dish and adds a burst of freshness. I sprinkle a handful of chopped parsley over the meatballs and gravy for a vibrant finish.

Make-Ahead Convenience

For busy days, prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance. I store the meatballs in the freezer and the sauce in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply brown the frozen meatballs and simmer them in the pre-made sauce. This method saves time without compromising on flavor.

Serve with Authentic Sides

To truly replicate the Ikea experience, pair your meatballs with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes and tart lingonberry sauce. The combination of flavors and textures elevates the dish, making it a comforting and memorable meal.

Presentation Matters

Presenting your meatballs attractively enhances the dining experience. I arrange the meatballs in a large serving dish, generously ladle the gravy over them, and garnish with fresh herbs. Accompany with side dishes in separate bowls to allow everyone to customize their plates.

Conclusion

Bringing Ikea’s famous meatballs into my kitchen has been such a rewarding experience. There’s nothing like enjoying a dish that combines rich flavors and cherished memories.

I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own delicious version at home. Happy cooking and savor every bite!