Perfect Swedish Meatballs With Gravy Sauce (Homemade Ikea Meatballs + Video)

Swedish Meatballs are a favorite for a reason. They involve tender meatballs, a creamy gravy, and a tangy jam-like sauce such as lingonberry or cranberry jam. This version involves making a homemade cranberry jam as cranberries are much more easy to access around the world, and are a perfect complement to the rich, creamy gravy. These Swedish meatballs and cranberry sauce can be served with boiled potatoes for a complete meal, but you could serve them over mashed potatoes as well.

To make the Swedish meatballs, you begin by mixing breadcrumbs with eggs and milk to soften them. Then, you mix in cooked onion, salt, pepper, sugar, ground pork, and ground beef until combined. Once they are assembled into meatballs, they are then cooked in the oven while you make the gravy on the stove. This hearty meal is perfect for cold days as it is hot and filling.

What are Swedish Meatballs?

Swedish meatballs are a classic dish originating in 18th century Sweden. They commonly include both pork and beef for their diverse flavor along with a cream-based gravy. The cream component of the gravy means it is lighter in color compared to other types of gravies.

Swedish meatballs are usually served with lingonberry jam, as lingonberries are widely available in Sweden. The jam offers a tart and sweet contrast to the rich flavor of the meatballs and sauce. The jam also adds a beautiful color to the plate. Although lingonberries are difficult to get in other countries, this recipe uses cranberries which are equally delicious.

Pro Tips

• Gently mix the meatball mixture until it is just combined as overmixing may result in tough meatballs.
• Wet your hands to ensure the meat doesn’t stick to your hands when you shape them.
• You will know the meatballs are cooked when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre reaches 165 F (73.8 C).
• If you would prefer not to make your own jam, you could serve the meatballs with store bought cranberry sauce or lingonberry jam if you can find it.
• For a pop of green, serve the meatballs with some chopped dill or parsley.

What to Serve with Swedish Meatballs?

Serve these Swedish meatballs with boiled or mashed potatoes to make them a complete meal. However, Swedish meatballs are also often served with pickled cucumbers, egg noodles, or steamed green beans.

What Kind of Meat is in Swedish Meatballs?

This Swedish meatball recipe uses a mixture of ground pork and beef, which is common for Swedish meatballs. However, you can also use just ground beef or leaner options like ground chicken or turkey if desired.

What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Cream?

Cream helps give the sauce body and is a classic element of Swedish meatballs. However, if you don’t have any cream on hand, you could replace it with full-fat sour cream.

How Do I Make a Thicker Sauce?

If you would prefer your sauce to be thicker, simply use a little extra flour. You will also want to scale up the butter to ensure it forms a smooth paste in the pan before you add the other ingredients.

Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?

Yes, this recipe can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the meatballs and bake them in advance, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the meatballs in the gravy sauce for a few minutes. The cranberry jam can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you plan to serve the dish.

Do They Freeze Well?

Yes, these meatballs freeze well. You can freeze the cooked meatballs either individually or in a batch. To do so, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the gravy sauce. The cranberry jam also freezes well and can be stored in a freezer-safe container.

How to Store Swedish Meatballs

The Swedish meatballs will keep well in the fridge. Simply place them in an airtight container before placing them in the fridge. They should be eaten within three days of making them.

How to Make Swedish Meatballs

Step 1

Step 1

In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the eggs and milk until combined. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes. Chop the onion and fry it in a pan with butter or oil.

In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the eggs and milk until combined. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes. Chop the onion and fry it in a pan with butter or oil.

Step 2

Step 2

In a bowl, mix the breadcrumb mixture with the onion, beef, pork, salt, pepper, and sugar (or nutmeg) until combined. Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake them in a 356 F (180 C) oven for 20 minutes.

In a bowl, mix the breadcrumb mixture with the onion, beef, pork, salt, pepper, and sugar (or nutmeg) until combined. Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake them in a 356 F (180 C) oven for 20 minutes.

Step 3

Step 3

For the gravy, melt the butter. Stir in the flour. Whisk in the beef stock and cream, and boil it for 5 minutes. Season it with salt and pepper until combined.

For the gravy, melt the butter. Stir in the flour. Whisk in the beef stock and cream, and boil it for 5 minutes. Season it with salt and pepper until combined.

Step 4

Step 4

Add the meatballs to the sauce and allow them to cook for 2 minutes.

Add the meatballs to the sauce and allow them to cook for 2 minutes.

Step 5

Step 5

Serve the meatballs with boiled or mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.

Serve the meatballs with boiled or mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.