This Copycat Ikea Swedish Meatballs recipe brings the cozy, creamy flavors of the iconic store-bought classic right to your kitchen. Juicy meatballs made from a blend of beef and pork are browned, oven-baked, and smothered in a rich cream sauce with soy sauce and Dijon mustard for depth. Serve them with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or lingonberry sauce for an authentic touch. The recipe is easy to make gluten-free and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef

• ½ lb ground pork

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, crushed

• ¾ cup plain breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)

• 1 egg

• ¾ cup whole milk

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Cream Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

• ¾ cup vegetable broth

• ¾ cup beef broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tsp soy sauce

• 2 tsp Dijon mustard

Directions

1. Preheat oven: Set to 350°F. Place a wire rack over a baking sheet.

2. Make meatballs: In a large bowl, mix beef, pork, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and milk until well combined. Form into 2-inch balls.

3. Brown meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium-high, sear meatballs on all sides for about 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack.

4. Bake: Cook meatballs in the oven for 30 minutes until fully cooked.

5. Make sauce: Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in vegetable broth, beef broth, cream, soy sauce, and Dijon. Bring to a boil, then simmer 5 minutes until thickened.

6. Assemble: Place meatballs in a casserole dish, pour sauce over, and garnish with parsley. Serve hot with desired sides.

Nutrients (per serving – 8 servings)

• Calories: 167 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 6 g

• Protein: 8 g

• Total Fat: 12 g

  • Saturated Fat: 6 g

  • Trans Fat: 1 g

• Cholesterol: 50 mg

• Sodium: 247 mg

• Potassium: 159 mg

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 1 g

• Vitamin A: 226 IU

• Vitamin C: 1 mg

• Calcium: 40 mg

• Iron: 1 mg

The Signature Meatball Blend

At the heart of Swedish meatballs is the blend of ground beef and ground pork. This pairing is essential because it balances lean, beefy flavor with the juicy richness that pork naturally provides. The addition of milk-soaked breadcrumbs keeps the texture tender and prevents dryness, while finely chopped onions and garlic add aromatic depth. This combination creates meatballs that are not only juicy but also robustly flavored, making them satisfying on their own yet perfectly complemented by the creamy sauce.

Why Browning Matters

Before baking, these meatballs are seared in a skillet to develop a golden-brown crust. This step is more than just for looks—it builds flavor through caramelization, sealing in moisture while creating a slightly crisp exterior. That contrast between the browned outside and tender inside is a hallmark of great meatballs. It also sets the stage for the sauce to cling beautifully, allowing every bite to be coated in creamy goodness.

A Cream Sauce That Defines Comfort Food

The cream sauce is what transforms this dish from simple meatballs into a true comfort meal. Starting with a roux of butter and flour gives the sauce a velvety base, while the mix of vegetable and beef broth layers in savory depth. Heavy cream rounds out the richness, while soy sauce and Dijon mustard add complexity—soy sauce introduces a subtle umami and saltiness, while Dijon lends gentle tang and warmth. The sauce is indulgent yet balanced, making it as delicious over potatoes or noodles as it is on the meatballs themselves.

The Authentic Swedish Touch

One of the reasons these meatballs have such a devoted following is the traditional pairing with lingonberry sauce. This bright, slightly tart condiment cuts through the richness of the cream sauce, offering a refreshing contrast that wakes up the palate. While lingonberry sauce may not be as common in every kitchen, it’s worth seeking out for a truly authentic experience. If unavailable, cranberry sauce makes a good substitute, providing similar sweet-tart notes.

Serving Ideas for Every Occasion

Swedish meatballs are incredibly versatile in how they can be served. The classic approach is with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the sauce beautifully. Egg noodles offer another traditional option, giving a slightly chewy texture to balance the tender meatballs. For a lighter spin, you can serve them with roasted vegetables or over steamed rice. They also make an excellent party appetizer when served on toothpicks with a side of sauce for dipping.

Adapting for Special Diets

One of the advantages of making this dish at home is the ease of customizing it for dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce. Dairy-free adaptations are also possible by replacing milk with unsweetened plant-based alternatives and heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer. Even with these changes, the dish retains its richness and comforting appeal.

Meal Prep and Leftovers

This recipe is ideal for meal prepping because both the meatballs and sauce reheat beautifully. You can make a large batch, refrigerate them for up to four days, or freeze them for up to three months. When reheating, it’s best to warm the meatballs gently in the sauce to preserve their tenderness and prevent drying out. This makes them perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners on busy nights.

The Ikea Connection

Ikea didn’t just popularize Swedish meatballs outside of Scandinavia—they made them an experience. For many people, a trip to Ikea includes stopping at the cafeteria for a plate of these meatballs alongside mashed potatoes, cream sauce, and lingonberry jam. Recreating them at home means you can enjoy that nostalgic, comforting flavor without navigating store aisles or flat-pack furniture instructions. It’s the same cozy flavor, minus the assembly manual.

Tips for Perfect Results

A few simple tips ensure your Swedish meatballs turn out just as good—if not better—than the ones you remember. Use fresh breadcrumbs for maximum tenderness rather than dry ones, as they absorb moisture more effectively. Avoid overmixing the meat mixture, which can make the texture dense. When browning, don’t overcrowd the skillet; give each meatball space so it sears instead of steams. And when making the sauce, whisk continuously when adding liquids to prevent lumps, ensuring a silky smooth finish.

A Dish That Brings People Together

There’s something inherently communal about Swedish meatballs. Whether served family-style in a big dish at the center of the table or plated individually for a more formal dinner, they invite sharing and conversation. The comforting aroma, creamy texture, and satisfying flavor make them a universal crowd-pleaser across generations. This is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into a warm, memorable one.

Conclusion

This Copycat Ikea Swedish Meatballs recipe captures the essence of the original while giving you the flexibility to adapt it to your tastes and dietary needs. The tender beef-and-pork meatballs, rich cream sauce, and optional lingonberry pairing create a balance of savory, creamy, and tangy that’s both comforting and memorable. Whether you’re serving them over mashed potatoes for a classic feel, with noodles for a hearty twist, or as an appetizer for a gathering, they always deliver that signature warmth and satisfaction. Making them at home ensures you can enjoy this beloved Scandinavian-inspired dish any time you crave it—no store visit required.