Ikea Shared Its Swedish-Meatball Recipe, and It's a Must-Try

By Kalea Martín

Published on 6/10/2022 at 3:35 PM

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POPSUGAR Photography | Kalea Martin
POPSUGAR Photography | Kalea Martin

Ikea is known for its modern furniture, home goods, and immaculate showrooms, but its food is just as iconic. After all, you can't buy a new bookshelf without stopping by the cafeteria to chow down on some Swedish meatballs, right?

If you're in the mood for Ikea's most popular food item, you don't have to trek all the way to your nearest location. Back in 2020, the company tweeted out a version of its Swedish-meatball recipe (gravy included) for customers to make at home, and it's just as delicious as the real thing.

Contrary to whatever rumors you may have heard, there's no horse meat in in this recipe. It's just pork and beef, plus a few other ingredients and seasonings — including onions, garlic, and breadcrumbs. After mixing, rolling, and two stages of cooking, the meatballs are ready to serve.

Much like Ikea's furniture, these meatballs do require a good number of steps to assemble — but the payoff is well worth it. Read on to learn how to make Ikea's Swedish meatballs at home.

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POPSUGAR Photography | Kalea Martin
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POPSUGAR Photography | Kalea Martin
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POPSUGAR Photography | Kalea Martin
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POPSUGAR Photography | Kalea Martin
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POPSUGAR Photography | Kalea Martin
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POPSUGAR Photography | Kalea Martin

Copycat Ikea Swedish-Meatball Recipe

Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Yield30 meatballs

Ikea

INGREDIENTS

    • For the meatballs:
    • 1 lb. ground beef
    • 1/2 lb. ground pork
    • 1 onion, finely chopped
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • 1 cup bread crumbs
    • 1 egg
    • 5 tbsp. whole milk
    • 1/4 tsp. salt
    • 1/4 tsp. pepper
    • For the cream sauce:
    • 3 tbsp. butter
    • 5 tbsp. flour
    • 5 oz. vegetable stock
    • 5 oz. beef stock
    • 5 oz. heavy cream
    • 2 tsp. soy sauce
    • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard

    INSTRUCTIONS

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

    2. Combine the ground beef and pork, and break up any lumps. Add onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, and milk, then season well with salt and pepper.

    3. Scoop out mixture and roll into meatballs, about 2 tablespoons each. Cover and store the meatballs in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

    4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs on each side until evenly browned.

    5. Transfer the meatballs to a baking tray and place them in the oven at 350°F. Bake for 30 minutes.

    6. While the meatballs firm up in the fridge, prepare the cream sauce. Start by melting butter in a small saucepan, then whisk in flour, stirring continuously for 2 minutes.

    7. Add vegetable and beef stock and continue to stir before adding cream, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard.

    8. Simmer the sauce until fully thickened, then pour over the cooked meatballs.

    9. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes, and enjoy!