Authentic Swedish Comfort Meatballs
Indulge in the rich flavors of these Authentic Swedish Comfort Meatballs, inspired by the beloved dish found in IKEA's restaurants. This recipe combines a perfectly seasoned blend of fresh ground meats, a touch of allspice, and a luscious cream gravy that transforms any meal into a comforting feast. Served alongside hearty boiled potatoes and a dollop of sweet lingonberry preserves, this dish captures the spirit of traditional Swedish cuisine, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 (finely chopped)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon + 1 tablespoon (for frying) (first for sautéing, second for frying meatballs)
lean ground beef
2/3 lb (raw)
ground lean pork
1/3 lb (raw)
breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (dry)
milk
1 cup (whole milk)
egg
1 (lightly beaten)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
beef gravy
1 (10 ounce) can (ready to heat)
10% cream
1/2 cup (heavy cream)
Instructions
1
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden and translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk, stirring until the breadcrumbs are fully saturated. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to soften.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled onion, soaked breadcrumbs, beaten egg, ground beef, and ground pork. Add salt, pepper, and ground allspice, then mix thoroughly by hand until all ingredients are well incorporated.
4
Using your hands, form tablespoon-sized portions of the meat mixture into meatballs and set aside.
5
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in batches, cooking them for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
6
In a small saucepan, gently combine the beef gravy and cream. Heat over low until warmed through, stirring occasionally; do not allow it to boil.
7
Serve the meatballs hot, generously drizzled with the creamy gravy, alongside boiled potatoes and a side of lingonberry preserves for a perfect blend of savory and sweet.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
15g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Authentic Swedish Comfort Meatballs?
They are a flavorful blend of ground beef and pork seasoned with allspice and served with a rich cream gravy.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the beloved Swedish meatballs found in IKEA's restaurants.
What types of meat are used?
The recipe uses 2/3 lb lean ground beef and 1/3 lb ground lean pork.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains 300 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 20g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of the meatballs?
Each serving contains 17.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the secret spice in these meatballs?
Ground allspice provides the authentic Swedish flavor profile.
How should the onion be prepared?
One onion should be finely chopped and sauteed in vegetable oil until golden and translucent.
How long do the breadcrumbs need to soak?
Breadcrumbs should sit in milk for about 10 minutes to fully soften.
What kind of milk should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of whole milk.
How large should the meatballs be?
The meat mixture should be formed into tablespoon-sized portions.
How long do you fry the meatballs?
Fry them in batches for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
What goes into the cream gravy?
The gravy is made by combining a 10-ounce can of beef gravy with 1/2 cup of 10% cream or heavy cream.
Can I boil the gravy?
No, you should heat the gravy over low heat and not allow it to boil to maintain the right consistency.
What are the traditional sides for this dish?
It is traditionally served with boiled potatoes and lingonberry preserves.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 12 ingredients required for this recipe.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil is used for both sauteing the onions and frying the meatballs.
Is an egg necessary for the recipe?
Yes, one lightly beaten egg is used to help bind the meat mixture together.
What is the preparation for the beef gravy?
Use a 10-ounce can of ready-to-heat beef gravy.
How much salt and pepper should be added?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
How do I ensure the meatballs are tender?
Soaking the dry breadcrumbs in milk before mixing ensures a moist and tender texture.
What is the ratio of beef to pork?
The ratio is 2 parts lean ground beef to 1 part ground lean pork.
Can I use heavy cream for the gravy?
Yes, while the recipe lists 10% cream, heavy cream is also an excellent preparation choice.
Is the onion added raw to the meat?
No, the onion should be sauteed and allowed to cool before being mixed with the meat.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include Swedish meatballs, comfort food, IKEA recipe, and traditional Swedish.
Is this a good recipe for family dinners?
Yes, it captures the spirit of traditional Swedish cuisine and is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
What is the total amount of breadcrumbs used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of dry breadcrumbs.
How do I serve the gravy?
The hot meatballs should be generously drizzled with the creamy gravy.
What color should the meatballs be after frying?
They should be cooked until they are golden brown on all sides.