Homemade Ikea Meatballs (Print View)
Tender beef-and-pork meatballs in a creamy gravy, perfect with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meatballs
01 - 9 ounces ground beef
02 - 9 ounces ground pork
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1/4 cup whole milk
06 - 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frying)
13 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
→ Cream Sauce
14 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
15 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
16 - 1 1/4 cups beef or vegetable stock
17 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
18 - 2 teaspoons soy sauce
19 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
20 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
# How to Make:
01 - In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs with milk and allow to soak for 5 minutes.
02 - Add ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, allspice, and nutmeg to the soaked breadcrumbs. Gently mix until just incorporated, taking care not to overwork the mixture.
03 - Portion and roll the mixture into small balls, each about the size of a walnut or roughly 1 1/4 inches in diameter.
04 - Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry meatballs in batches until evenly browned on all sides, about 8 minutes total, turning occasionally. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.
05 - In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook while stirring for 1 minute to form a roux.
06 - Gradually pour in stock, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in heavy cream, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened, 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Return browned meatballs to the sauce in the skillet. Coat each meatball thoroughly and simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes until warmed through.
08 - Serve hot, accompanied by mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and steamed vegetables if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Getting the spices and gravy just right makes these meatballs even more delicious than the ones you remember from Ikea.
- It's secretly super satisfying to watch everyone you serve these to go back for more.
02 -
- Over-mixing the meat mixture makes the meatballs tough—once everything is combined, stop immediately.
- Letting the meatballs finish cooking in the gravy gives them extra flavor and keeps them juicy.
03 -
- Let the cooked meatballs rest a few minutes before adding to the sauce so they don't fall apart.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a bit of freshness.