Cole Cooks: Ikea Swedish Meatballs
It seems every country has its version of meatballs. Sweden has one of most unique form of meatballs. With the growth of Sweden Ikea furniture stores, Swedish meatballs have become famous. This is our attempt to replicate Ikea Swedish meatballs.
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Ikea is a massive furniture chain featuring built-it-yourself European style furniture. However, Ikea locations are also known for their cafeteria that serves Swedish dishes. The most prominent dish on the menu is Swedish meatballs.
Personally, I have never been a fan of Swedish meatballs. They commonly use spices like nutmeg and allspice which to me work better in desserts.
In 2020, Ikea released an official version of its Swedish meatball. Because retail stores were closed due to COVID-19, the idea was consumers could make Ikea Swedish meatballs at home. This recipe was notable in that it did NOT feature allspice or nutmeg. Of course, I had to make it.
The first thing I noted was that the 2020 version of Ikea Swedish meatballs was different from the earlier version I had. This early version of Ikea Swedish meatballs can still be found on Ikea’s website. The older version is significantly different in that it calls for mixing mashed potatoes into the meatballs. It also uses allspice as an optional ingredient.
My Ikea Swedish meatballs recipe is basically the 2020 version with some minor tweaks. The meatballs came out delish. We serve them with egg noodles. Traditionally I think Swedish meatballs are served with lingonberry and potatoes.
Swedish meatballs make a nice change of pace from our usual Italian-style meatballs. However, they are not for everyone.
Fast Company did an article entitled “Ikea shared its famous meatball recipe, and I made it so you don’t have to.” In case you don’t get the point the subtitle was “Just because Ikea is closed doesn’t mean your GI tract gets the day off.”
Personally, I think the author of the article is too harsh. In my mind, Ikea Swedish meatballs succeed by replacing the nutmeg and allspice with mustard and soy sauce. I added a little lemon juice to give it some extra zing.
This is comfort food that is easy to make and not to spicy for the kids. Our family loves spicy food but occasionally we like something more low key. In addition, this is a perfect dish to serve at a party or potluck.
This dish was a winner in my mind and now I need to try the actual Ikea version which I have avoided due to my historic dislike of the dish.
I adapted this recipe for the Instant Pot. It makes things easier but this is an easy dish to start with. It will work perfectly fine done on the stove in a skillet.
Ikea Swedish Meatballs
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork
- 1 sweet onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 egg yolks slightly beaten
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tablespoons parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 2 cups beef chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup flour
Instructions
- In a bowl combine meatball ingredients (beef, pork, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg yolk, milk, parsley salt and pepper). Mix well to combine
- Form meat mixture into about 20 round meatballs. Place meatballs onto a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté. Add half meatballs and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside. Repeat browning process with remaining meatballs. Set aside.
- Add stock, butter, soy sauce, and mustard to Instant Pot and mix. Add meatballs and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Let natural release for 10 minutes.
- While meatballs are cooking combine cream and flour in small bowl.
- When pressure is released, set Instant Pot to Sauté. In a small pan or skiller add lemon juice and cream and flour mixture to Instant Pot. Stir to combine and bring to simmer stirring frequently. Continue cooking until sauce thickens. Taste for seasoning. Add meatballs and combine.
- Serve with noodles or mashed potatoes.
