Go Back
Delicious Easy Swedish Meatballs served with IKEA style creamy gravy.

Easy Swedish Meatballs IKEA Style Cream Gravy

A comforting and easy recipe for Swedish meatballs with a creamy style gravy that tastes like the restaurant classic.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: European, Swedish
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatball Mixture
  • 1 lb Ground beef or beef and pork mix For extra tenderness.
  • 1/2 cup Bread crumbs Plain is fine.
  • 1/4 cup Milk For soaking the bread crumbs.
  • 1 large Egg Binds everything together.
  • 1 medium Onion, finely grated or minced To avoid large chunks.
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp Allspice Signature flavor for Swedish meatballs.
  • 1/8 tsp Nutmeg Optional but recommended.
  • 2 tbsp Butter For browning the meatballs.
  • 1 tbsp Oil For browning the meatballs.
Gravy
  • 2 tbsp Flour To thicken the gravy.
  • 2 cups Beef broth Or stock.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy cream Classic choice for gravy.
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce For added depth of flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Soak your breadcrumbs in milk for a few minutes.
  2. Mix the meatball ingredients gently, using your hands if possible.
  3. Roll into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
Cooking Meatballs
  1. Brown the meatballs in a skillet, working in batches to avoid crowding the pan.
  2. Set meatballs aside, keeping the drippings in the pan.
Making the Gravy
  1. In the same pan, melt a little butter if needed, then whisk in flour and cook for one minute.
  2. Slowly pour in broth while whisking to keep the mixture smooth.
  3. Add cream and Worcestershire sauce, taste, and adjust salt and pepper as necessary.
Finishing
  1. Put the meatballs back in the sauce and simmer gently until cooked through.

Notes

For variations, try adding a spoonful of sour cream or a splash of pickle brine for tang. Serve classic with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.