🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 11 (from laksa172)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa011.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/","crawl_time":1775483356,"first_indexed_time":1485821199,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,recipetineats!www,\/swedish-meatballs\/ s443","src_root_hash":"12701549400634406811","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Swedish Meatballs (homemade Ikea Meatballs) - RecipeTin Eats","meta_descriptions":["Extra soft, extra juicy, extra tasty Swedish Meatballs with two little tips that make all the difference. Smothered in an epic gravy for Swedish Meatballs!"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"These heavenly Swedish Meatballs are a homemade version of the iconic Ikea meatballs. They’re a whole lot easier than assembling flat-pack furniture, that’s for sure! Extra-soft and juicy, with a dash of classic spices like allspice, they’re smothered with the bread-mop-worthy sauce.\nI’m that person who goes into Ikea just to pick up tea lights, only to emerge 2 hours later with all sorts of useful organisation solutions, looking for a problem to solve.\nI’m also that person who confidently puts together Ikea furniture (\nI’m a chartered accountant! I can do this!\n), only to worryingly end up with one leftover screw or bracket. Thankfully, none of my Ikea furniture has come tumbling down (yet), so now I have a theory that Ikea throws an extra piece into every flatpack \njust to mess with us.\n😂\nAs for their meatballs? Flatpack shopping is hard work. I can’t blame anyone who needs a pick-me-up after making it out the other end of the Ikea maze.\nBut once you’ve tried homemade Swedish Meatballs, you’ll never order these at the Ikea cafe ever again!\nWhat’s so special about Swedish Meatballs?\nIf you’re wondering what’s so special about Swedish Meatballs, or what they taste like, close your eyes and imagine this: incredibly soft meatballs, made extra juicy by using a combination of both pork and beef and soaked bread instead of breadcrumbs, lightly spiced with \njust a touch\nof nutmeg and all spice that gives it the signature Swedish flavour, smothered in a creamy gravy that is absolutely to-die-for.\nThese are meatballs unlike any other – and regular readers know I have a very big soft spot for my favourite \nItalian Meatballs\n.\nBut I’d go as far to say that if you aren’t a regular maker of meatballs for whatever reason (pain to roll them, don’t like mixing meat with your hands etc etc), but you have the inclination to make ONE meatball recipe, make it these Swedish Meatballs.\nYou won’t regret it. I promise.\nWhat goes in Swedish Meatballs\nHere’s what you need to make the Swedish Meatballs.\nBeef AND pork – the beef gives it flavour, the pork gives it juiciness and tenderness;\nBread – the secret to extra soft meatballs! Far more effective than breadcrumbs;\nNutmeg and All Spice – the signature spicing, just a small, subtle amount. \nAll Spice\nis a particular type of spice made from a plant called Pimenta dioica. It smells like cloves. It’s a common spice found in normal supermarkets, and costs no more than usual spices. \nBest substitute is Mixed Spice.\nBeef stock\/broth and cream – for the creamy gravy;\nFlour – to thicken the gravy;\nEgg – for binding the meatballs together.\nHow to make Swedish Meatballs\nHere’s how to make them:\nFIRST,\nchop up sandwich bread, the soak in grated onion. \nThis is a secret tip for ultra soft, extra tasty meatballs. \nGrating onion = no need to pan fry chopped onion AND extracts onion juices which soaks the bread, which later puffs up inside the meatballs as they cook, creating ultra soft meatballs!\nHow I roll meatballs\nAnd here’s how I roll meatballs. It’s the fastest method I’ve been able to come up with!\nUse an ice cream scooper with a lever to scoop up the mixture. Standard size is 3 tablespoons – I use slightly less than the scoop (3 tablespoons is quite large);\nScoop and dollop all the mixture;\nTHEN roll them all;\nVoila! Even size meatballs, rolled relatively quickly!\nSauce for Swedish Meatballs\nThe sauce for Swedish Meatballs\nis a creamy gravy that is made with butter, beef broth\/stock, thickened with flour and made creamy with cream.\nBut the \nmost important flavour\nfor the a really good creamy gravy is the pan drippings after searing the meatballs. All the brown stuff left in the pan after browning the meatballs adds \nincredible\nflavour into the gravy, which is why baking these meatballs is not an option!!!\nWhat to serve with Swedish Meatballs\nThe Swedish Meatball eating experience is incomplete without creamy\nMashed Potato\n. You \nneed\nthe mash so you can savour every last drop of that wickedly delicious creamy gravy.\nHaving said that though, rice, noodles or pasta are adequate fall backs, or some bread for mopping up the sauce (try this easy\nArtisan bread\n, or emergency\nNo Yeast Sandwich Bread\n). And if you’re really trying to cut down on carbs,\nCreamy Mashed Cauliflower\nis your answer!\nIf you start now, you’ll have these on the table in less than hour. Are you ready for the most sinfully delectable meatballs you’ve ever had in your life??\n– Nagi x\nWatch how to make it\nThis recipe features in my\ndebut cookbook Dinner\n. The book is mostly new recipes, but this is a reader favourite included by popular demand!\nSubscribe to my\nnewsletter\nand follow along on\nFacebook\n,\nPinterest\nand\nInstagram\nfor all of the latest updates.\nServings\n5\nTap or hover to scale\nRecipe video above.\nJuicy meatballs smothered in a beautiful creamy gravy, with a hint of spicing that Swedish Meatballs are known for. Made extra soft and extra tasty by soaking fresh bread in grated onion – tried and tested technique used in my most of my\nmeatball recipes\n, highly approved by readers! (See\nItalian Meatball reviews\nas an example)\nMeatballs\n▢\n2\nslices\nwhite sandwich bread\n, crusts removed, chopped into small cubes (Note 1)\n▢\n1\nonion\n, small (brown, white or yellow)\n▢\n300g \/ 10 oz\nground beef (mince)\n▢\n300g \/ 10 oz\nground pork (mince)\n, or sub with more beef (Note 2)\n▢\n1\negg\n▢\n1\/4\ntsp\nground nutmeg\n, preferably freshly grated\n▢\n1\/4\ntsp\nAll Spice powder\n(Note 3)\n▢\n1\/4\ntsp\nblack pepper\n▢\n3\/4\ntsp\nsalt\n▢\n1\ntbsp\noil\nGravy\n▢\n40g \/ 3 tbsp\nbutter\n, unsalted\n▢\n3\ntbsp\nflour\n▢\n2\ncups\nbeef broth\/stock\n(salt reduced), or sub with chicken\n▢\n1\/2\ncup\nheavy \/ thickened cream\n(Note 4)\nCook Mode\nPrevent screen from sleeping\nGrate onion using a standard box grater (see video).\nScrape onion and juices into bowl. Add bread and mix well – onion juice should make bread soggy (if not, add a tiny splash of milk). Set aside to soak for 1 minute.\nAdd remaining Meatball ingredients EXCEPT oil. Mix well.\nUsing a tablespoon measure and measure out a heaped tablespoon (or use ice cream scooper which is what I do), dollop on work surface. Repeat with remaining mixture: 25 – 30 meatballs. Then roll into shape.\nCooking\nHeat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add half the meatballs and brown all over (but raw inside still) – about 3 minutes. Remove onto plate, then brown the remaining batch.\nIf there is lots of oil, pour off excess and discard. Lower heat to medium.\nGravy\nAdd butter into skillet and melt. Add flour and stir in. Cook for 1 minute.\nWhile mixing, add about 1\/4 of the beef broth – it will thicken quickly. Then gradually add remaining beef broth, stirring as you go. Switch to whisk if required to make it lump free.\nWhen the liquid is simmering, add meatball and juices pooled on plate.\nTurn up heat slightly to keep it at a rapid simmer. Cook for 8 – 10 minutes or until the liquid thickens into a thin gravy, stirring occasionally.\nAdd cream, simmer for a further 2 minutes then remove from stove.\nServe over\nmashed potato\n(or\nCauliflower Mash\nfor low carb). For a truly authentic experience, add a dollop of ligonberry jam on the side!\n1. Bread\n– just plain white sandwich bread. Wholemeal also fine. If you use one with grains or seeds, you’ll end up with the seeds in the meatballs.\nMake your own\nEmergency No Yeast Bread\n(this works great with meatballs, I used it last week) and this simple\nArtisan Bread\nalso works great!\n2. Meat –  \nmix of pork and beef is part of the authentic flavour of Swedish Meatballs, and pork makes the meatballs extra soft and juice. But you can use all beef or all pork. You could also make this with chicken or turkey!\n3. All Spice –\nsmells like cloves, it’s a particular type of spice sold in everyday grocery stores, costs no more than usual spices.\nSubstitute with Mixed Spice\n, or equal parts nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves.\n4. Cream v Sour Cream –\nThe jury is out on whether it should be made with sour cream or normal cream. Most recipes tend to use cream. If you like the slight tang from sour cream (like with\nStroganoff sauce\n), go ahead!\nYogurt can also be used, as well as reduced fat and pouring cream. The gravy might need an extra minute or two to thicken, and obviously won’t have as rich a mouthfeel (because it’s lower fat). But still a creamy texture to the gravy – it will still look like the photos and video!\n5. Nutrition\nfor meatballs only, and all gravy. This doesn’t take into account fat discarded from skillet.\nServing:\n289\ng\nCalories:\n475\ncal\n(24%)\nCarbohydrates:\n11\ng\n(4%)\nProtein:\n28\ng\n(56%)\nFat:\n35\ng\n(54%)\nSaturated Fat:\n16\ng\n(100%)\nCholesterol:\n163\nmg\n(54%)\nSodium:\n727\nmg\n(32%)\nPotassium:\n645\nmg\n(18%)\nFiber:\n1\ng\n(4%)\nSugar:\n2\ng\n(2%)\nVitamin A:\n597\nIU\n(12%)\nVitamin C:\n2\nmg\n(2%)\nCalcium:\n65\nmg\n(7%)\nIron:\n3\nmg\n(17%)\nKeywords:\nsauce for swedish meatballs, swedish meatballs\nOriginally published January 2017. Post updated 13 May 2020 with improved videos, plus ingredients and step photos added. No change to recipe, it’s perfect as is!!!\nLife of Dozer\nDozer – I love you, but if you bump that tripod while I’m filming, you will be in a LOT of trouble!!\nAnd from the original publication date:\nTrying to negotiate with Dozer using a Swedish Meatball…..","attrs_markdown":"- [Skip to primary navigation](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#genesis-nav-primary)\n- [Skip to header navigation](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#genesis-nav-header)\n- [Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#genesis-content)\n- [Skip to primary sidebar](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#genesis-sidebar-primary)\n\n[RecipeTin Eats](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/)\n\nFast Prep, Big Flavours\n\nMain Menu\n\n[Display Search Bar]()\n\nMy RecipeTin\n\n×\n\n- Top\n- About\n- Ingredients\n- How to make it\n- Serving\n- Video\n- Recipe\n- Life of Dozer\n- Comments\n\n- [My RecipeTin](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#slick-favorites)\n- [My cookbooks\\!](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/cookbooks\/)\n- [Recipes](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/recipes\/)\n- [Recipes By Category](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/)\n  Submenu\n  - 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[Privacy & Disclosure](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/nagi-recipetin-eats\/privacy-disclosure\/)\n\n[Home](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/)\n\n[Collections](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/category\/collections\/)\n\n[Winter Warmers](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/category\/collections\/winter-recipe-collection\/)\n\n# Swedish Meatballs (homemade Ikea Meatballs)\n[![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/75eae612677fdf550ba9a478ea595902153a0a06b8b27aaf6bc3eddcf6367244?s=96&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)](http:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/about-me\/)\n\nBy  [Nagi Maehashi](http:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/about-me\/)\n\n[795 Comments](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#comments)\n\nShare\n\nShare\n\n- [Copy Link](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/)\n- [E-mail](<mailto:?subject=RecipeTin Eats:  Swedish Meatballs (homemade Ikea Meatballs)&body=https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/>)\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/&t=Swedish%20Meatballs%20\\(homemade%20Ikea%20Meatballs\\))\n- [WhatsApp](https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send?text=Swedish%20Meatballs%20\\(homemade%20Ikea%20Meatballs\\)%20-%20https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/)\n\nPublished13 May '20\n\nUpdated9 May '25\n\nJump to\n\n[Recipe](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#recipe)\n\nVideo\n\nDozer\n\nThese heavenly Swedish Meatballs are a homemade version of the iconic Ikea meatballs. They’re a whole lot easier than assembling flat-pack furniture, that’s for sure! Extra-soft and juicy, with a dash of classic spices like allspice, they’re smothered with the bread-mop-worthy sauce.\n\n![Swedish Meatballs on a plate served with creamy mashed potato and a side of steamed broccolini](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/tachyon\/2020\/05\/Swedish-Meatballs-3.jpg)\n\n## **Swedish Meatballs**\nI’m that person who goes into Ikea just to pick up tea lights, only to emerge 2 hours later with all sorts of useful organisation solutions, looking for a problem to solve.\n\nI’m also that person who confidently puts together Ikea furniture (*I’m a chartered accountant! I can do this\\!*), only to worryingly end up with one leftover screw or bracket. Thankfully, none of my Ikea furniture has come tumbling down (yet), so now I have a theory that Ikea throws an extra piece into every flatpack *just to mess with us.*😂\n\nAs for their meatballs? Flatpack shopping is hard work. I can’t blame anyone who needs a pick-me-up after making it out the other end of the Ikea maze.\n\nBut once you’ve tried homemade Swedish Meatballs, you’ll never order these at the Ikea cafe ever again\\!\n\n![Swedish Meatballs in a skillet with creamy gravy, the traditional Swedish sauce](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/tachyon\/2017\/01\/Swedish-Meatballs_2.jpg)\n\n## **What’s so special about Swedish Meatballs?**\nIf you’re wondering what’s so special about Swedish Meatballs, or what they taste like, close your eyes and imagine this: incredibly soft meatballs, made extra juicy by using a combination of both pork and beef and soaked bread instead of breadcrumbs, lightly spiced with *just a touch* of nutmeg and all spice that gives it the signature Swedish flavour, smothered in a creamy gravy that is absolutely to-die-for.\n\nThese are meatballs unlike any other – and regular readers know I have a very big soft spot for my favourite [Italian Meatballs](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/classic-italian-meatballs-extra-soft-and-juicy\/).\n\nBut I’d go as far to say that if you aren’t a regular maker of meatballs for whatever reason (pain to roll them, don’t like mixing meat with your hands etc etc), but you have the inclination to make ONE meatball recipe, make it these Swedish Meatballs.\n\nYou won’t regret it. I promise.\n\n![Spoon drizzling sauce over Swedish Meatballs](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/tachyon\/2017\/01\/Swedish-Meatballs_6.jpg)\n\n## **What goes in Swedish Meatballs**\nHere’s what you need to make the Swedish Meatballs.\n\n![Ingredients in Swedish meatballs](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/tachyon\/2017\/01\/Ingredients-in-Swedish-Meatballs.jpg)\n\n- Beef AND pork – the beef gives it flavour, the pork gives it juiciness and tenderness;\n- Bread – the secret to extra soft meatballs! Far more effective than breadcrumbs;\n- Nutmeg and All Spice – the signature spicing, just a small, subtle amount. *All Spice* is a particular type of spice made from a plant called Pimenta dioica. It smells like cloves. It’s a common spice found in normal supermarkets, and costs no more than usual spices. *Best substitute is Mixed Spice.*\n- Beef stock\/broth and cream – for the creamy gravy;\n- Flour – to thicken the gravy;\n- Egg – for binding the meatballs together.\n***\n## **How to make Swedish Meatballs**\nHere’s how to make them:\n\n**FIRST,** chop up sandwich bread, the soak in grated onion. *This is a secret tip for ultra soft, extra tasty meatballs.* Grating onion = no need to pan fry chopped onion AND extracts onion juices which soaks the bread, which later puffs up inside the meatballs as they cook, creating ultra soft meatballs\\!\n\n![How to make Swedish Meatballs](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/tachyon\/2017\/01\/How-to-make-Swedish-Meatballs-1.jpg)\n\n## **How I roll meatballs**\nAnd here’s how I roll meatballs. It’s the fastest method I’ve been able to come up with\\!\n\n1. Use an ice cream scooper with a lever to scoop up the mixture. Standard size is 3 tablespoons – I use slightly less than the scoop (3 tablespoons is quite large);\n2. Scoop and dollop all the mixture;\n3. THEN roll them all;\n4. Voila! Even size meatballs, rolled relatively quickly\\!\n\n![How to make Swedish Meatballs](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/tachyon\/2017\/01\/How-to-make-Swedish-Meatballs-2.jpg)\n\n## **Sauce for Swedish Meatballs**\n**The sauce for Swedish Meatballs** is a creamy gravy that is made with butter, beef broth\/stock, thickened with flour and made creamy with cream.\n\nBut the **most important flavour** for the a really good creamy gravy is the pan drippings after searing the meatballs. All the brown stuff left in the pan after browning the meatballs adds *incredible* flavour into the gravy, which is why baking these meatballs is not an option!!\\!\n\n![How to make Swedish Meatballs](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/tachyon\/2017\/01\/How-to-make-Swedish-Meatballs-3.jpg)\n\n![Close up of Swedish Meatballs in a skillet](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/tachyon\/2017\/01\/Swedish-Meatballs_3.jpg)\n\n## **What to serve with Swedish Meatballs**\nThe Swedish Meatball eating experience is incomplete without creamy [Mashed Potato](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/mashed-potato\/). You *need* the mash so you can savour every last drop of that wickedly delicious creamy gravy.\n\nHaving said that though, rice, noodles or pasta are adequate fall backs, or some bread for mopping up the sauce (try this easy [Artisan bread](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/easy-yeast-bread-recipe-no-knead\/), or emergency [No Yeast Sandwich Bread](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/sandwich-bread-without-yeast-quick-easy\/)). And if you’re really trying to cut down on carbs, [Creamy Mashed Cauliflower](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/creamy-mashed-cauliflower\/) is your answer\\!\n\nIf you start now, you’ll have these on the table in less than hour. Are you ready for the most sinfully delectable meatballs you’ve ever had in your life?? ***– Nagi x***\n***\n## **Watch how to make it**\n*This recipe features in my [debut cookbook Dinner](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/cookbook\/). The book is mostly new recipes, but this is a reader favourite included by popular demand\\!*\n\n*This recipe features in my [debut cookbook Dinner](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/cookbook\/). The book is mostly new recipes, but this is a reader favourite included by popular demand\\!*\n\nHungry for more? Subscribe to my [newsletter](https:\/\/recipetineats.ck.page\/6f68ed0a2d) and follow along on [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/RecipeTinEats), [Pinterest](http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/recipetin\/) and [Instagram](http:\/\/instagram.com\/recipe_tin) for all of the latest updates.\n\n![](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/tachyon\/2017\/01\/Swedish-Meatballs_2-SQ.jpg?resize=206%2C206)\n\n## Swedish Meatballs (homemade Ikea Meatballs)\nAuthor:\n\nNagi \\| RecipeTin Eats\n\nPrep:\n\n20 minutes mins\n\nCook:\n\n30 minutes mins\n\nTotal:\n\n50 minutes mins\n\nMains\n\nswedish\n\n4\\.92 from 318 votes\n\nServings[5](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/)\n\nTap or hover to scale\n\n[Print](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/wprm_print\/swedish-meatballs-homemade-ikea-meatballs)\n\n- [301](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Fswedish-meatballs%2F&t=Swedish%20Meatballs%20%28homemade%20Ikea%20Meatballs%29 \"Share on Facebook\")\n- 16136\n\n**Recipe video above.** Juicy meatballs smothered in a beautiful creamy gravy, with a hint of spicing that Swedish Meatballs are known for. Made extra soft and extra tasty by soaking fresh bread in grated onion – tried and tested technique used in my most of my [meatball recipes](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/category\/collections\/meatball-recipes\/), highly approved by readers! (See [Italian Meatball reviews](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/classic-italian-meatballs-extra-soft-and-juicy\/) as an example)\n\n### Ingredients\nCups\n\nMetric\n\n#### Meatballs\n- ▢\n  2 slices white sandwich bread , crusts removed, chopped into small cubes (Note 1)\n- ▢\n  1 onion , small (brown, white or yellow)\n- ▢\n  300g \/ 10 oz ground beef (mince)\n- ▢\n  300g \/ 10 oz ground pork (mince) , or sub with more beef (Note 2)\n- ▢\n  1 egg\n- ▢\n  1\/4 tsp ground nutmeg , preferably freshly grated\n- ▢\n  1\/4 tsp All Spice powder (Note 3)\n- ▢\n  1\/4 tsp black pepper\n- ▢\n  3\/4 tsp salt\n- ▢\n  1 tbsp oil\n\n#### Gravy\n- ▢\n  40g \/ 3 tbsp butter , unsalted\n- ▢\n  3 tbsp flour\n- ▢\n  2 cups beef broth\/stock  (salt reduced), or sub with chicken\n- ▢\n  1\/2 cup heavy \/ thickened cream (Note 4)\n\nCook Mode\n\nPrevent screen from sleeping\n\n### Instructions\n- Grate onion using a standard box grater (see video).\n- Scrape onion and juices into bowl. Add bread and mix well – onion juice should make bread soggy (if not, add a tiny splash of milk). Set aside to soak for 1 minute.\n- Add remaining Meatball ingredients EXCEPT oil. Mix well.\n- Using a tablespoon measure and measure out a heaped tablespoon (or use ice cream scooper which is what I do), dollop on work surface. Repeat with remaining mixture: 25 – 30 meatballs. Then roll into shape.\n\n#### Cooking\n- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add half the meatballs and brown all over (but raw inside still) – about 3 minutes. Remove onto plate, then brown the remaining batch.\n- If there is lots of oil, pour off excess and discard. Lower heat to medium.\n\n#### Gravy\n- Add butter into skillet and melt. Add flour and stir in. Cook for 1 minute.\n- While mixing, add about 1\/4 of the beef broth – it will thicken quickly. Then gradually add remaining beef broth, stirring as you go. Switch to whisk if required to make it lump free.\n- When the liquid is simmering, add meatball and juices pooled on plate.\n- Turn up heat slightly to keep it at a rapid simmer. Cook for 8 – 10 minutes or until the liquid thickens into a thin gravy, stirring occasionally.\n- Add cream, simmer for a further 2 minutes then remove from stove.\n- Serve over [mashed potato](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/mashed-potato\/) (or [Cauliflower Mash](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/creamy-mashed-cauliflower\/) for low carb). For a truly authentic experience, add a dollop of ligonberry jam on the side\\!\n\n### Recipe Notes:\n**1\\. Bread** – just plain white sandwich bread. Wholemeal also fine. If you use one with grains or seeds, you’ll end up with the seeds in the meatballs.\n\nMake your own [Emergency No Yeast Bread](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/sandwich-bread-without-yeast-quick-easy\/) (this works great with meatballs, I used it last week) and this simple [Artisan Bread](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/easy-yeast-bread-recipe-no-knead\/) also works great\\!\n\n**2\\. Meat –** mix of pork and beef is part of the authentic flavour of Swedish Meatballs, and pork makes the meatballs extra soft and juice. But you can use all beef or all pork. You could also make this with chicken or turkey\\!\n\n**3\\. All Spice –** smells like cloves, it’s a particular type of spice sold in everyday grocery stores, costs no more than usual spices. **Substitute with Mixed Spice**, or equal parts nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves.\n\n**4\\. Cream v Sour Cream –** The jury is out on whether it should be made with sour cream or normal cream. Most recipes tend to use cream. If you like the slight tang from sour cream (like with [Stroganoff sauce](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/beef-stroganoff\/)), go ahead\\!\n\nYogurt can also be used, as well as reduced fat and pouring cream. The gravy might need an extra minute or two to thicken, and obviously won’t have as rich a mouthfeel (because it’s lower fat). But still a creamy texture to the gravy – it will still look like the photos and video\\!\n\n**5\\. Nutrition** for meatballs only, and all gravy. This doesn’t take into account fat discarded from skillet.\n\n### Nutrition Information:\nServing: 289gCalories: 475cal (24%)Carbohydrates: 11g (4%)Protein: 28g (56%)Fat: 35g (54%)Saturated Fat: 16g (100%)Cholesterol: 163mg (54%)Sodium: 727mg (32%)Potassium: 645mg (18%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 2g (2%)Vitamin A: 597IU (12%)Vitamin C: 2mg (2%)Calcium: 65mg (7%)Iron: 3mg (17%)\n\nKeywords: sauce for swedish meatballs, swedish meatballs\n\nDid you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at [@recipe\\_tin](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/recipe_tin\/).\n\nOriginally published January 2017. Post updated 13 May 2020 with improved videos, plus ingredients and step photos added. No change to recipe, it’s perfect as is!!\\!\n***\n## **Life of Dozer**\nDozer – I love you, but if you bump that tripod while I’m filming, you will be in a LOT of trouble!\\!\n\n![Dozer under tripod](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/tachyon\/2020\/05\/Dozer-under-tripod.jpg)\n\n**And from the original publication date:**\n\nTrying to negotiate with Dozer using a Swedish Meatball…..\n\n![Dozer Swedish Meatballs\\_9](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/tachyon\/2017\/01\/Dozer-Swedish-Meatballs_9.jpg)\n\nSaveSave\n\n[Previous Post Heinz Baked Beans recipe – copycat\\!](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/homemade-baked-beans-recipe-heinz\/)\n\n[Next Post Vietnamese Chicken Pho soup (Pho Ga)](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/vietnamese-chicken-pho-soup-pho-ga\/)\n\n#### Hi, I'm Nagi\\!\nI believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative\\!\n\n[Read More](http:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/about-me\/)\n\n### Free Recipe eBooks\nJoin my free email list to receive THREE free cookbooks\\!\n## Reader Interactions\n### Leave a Comment [Cancel reply](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#respond)\n#### 795 Comments\n1. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8f0e2a1f5105be5a6f48aa6764922538e157d46607ccfa1b354a34d17b8a9bf6?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Peter Hambleton says\n   \n   March 27, 2026 at 10:10 am\n   \n   ![5 stars](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/content\/plugins\/wp-recipe-maker\/assets\/icons\/rating\/stars-5.svg)  \n    Awesome!\\!\n   \n   [Reply](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#comment-1997191)\n2. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8f0e2a1f5105be5a6f48aa6764922538e157d46607ccfa1b354a34d17b8a9bf6?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Peter Hambleton says\n   \n   March 27, 2026 at 9:53 am\n   \n   Hey there Nagi, we too have had Ikea meatballs over the years, these were wayyy better, made with tonight with creamy mashed, the gravy is most excellent, scrapings from the pan enhanced it wonderfully. Thanks so much for this….. Peter H\n   \n   [Reply](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#comment-1997178)\n3. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f253e9c4e98c99e9c4c4e2d1d801bb5de8f9714ae36a66614ed5e15cadf5c971?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Carol says\n   \n   March 20, 2026 at 6:02 am\n   \n   ![5 stars](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/content\/plugins\/wp-recipe-maker\/assets\/icons\/rating\/stars-5.svg)  \n    Just made these exactly as written and served with mashed potatoes. Excellent !\\!\n   \n   [Reply](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#comment-1992766)\n4. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/b1f6c5470da1d6fb1f7f10b504e223efd86adf37ec92b43596f4a4fe45f77502?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Tracy says\n   \n   March 11, 2026 at 11:08 pm\n   \n   ![5 stars](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/content\/plugins\/wp-recipe-maker\/assets\/icons\/rating\/stars-5.svg)  \n    Fabulous, family all declared they are better than Ikea balls. I used a couple of good pork sausages in lieu of pork mince. Great meal\n   \n   [Reply](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#comment-1987736)\n5. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/533e738f6b7fa2930e1eb6ee47ed314c407a558f58ecdae6ae09963085bbeac0?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Marge says\n   \n   March 9, 2026 at 6:01 pm\n   \n   ![5 stars](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/content\/plugins\/wp-recipe-maker\/assets\/icons\/rating\/stars-5.svg)  \n    I’ve made this a few times for family, and hand on heart, the only thing you need in order to enjoy this is a spoon. No plate necessary. Just stand by the stove with your spoon and enjoy.\n   \n   [Reply](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#comment-1985850)\n6. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9a0ac8897cb3b6d6a482743fdf0df9aadb750bab8e057f0a926a479f88fe7a2e?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Keri says\n   \n   February 19, 2026 at 5:40 pm\n   \n   ![5 stars](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/content\/plugins\/wp-recipe-maker\/assets\/icons\/rating\/stars-5.svg)  \n    Delicious!!! The onion and bread soak is such a good trick, soft and juicy meatballs and the most amazing sauce. Kiddo even said the best meatballs they’ve ever had. Will definitely be made again in our house.\n   \n   [Reply](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#comment-1973412)\n7. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8cdfb3b2e0f1f40e55a3334c0b06f48a62a12449fd1e4797a14861133a2a588e?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Rosie Catherwood says\n   \n   February 18, 2026 at 9:12 am\n   \n   ![5 stars](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/content\/plugins\/wp-recipe-maker\/assets\/icons\/rating\/stars-5.svg)  \n    Ab Fab. Well beyond my expectations on my first ever exploration into Swedish meatballs. Completely delicious. Had no cream so used thick yoghurt. Could have eaten the whole thing twice but controlled myself and froze the other half\\!\n   \n   [Reply](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#comment-1972264)\n8. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/521aa7b2173ae89d4e295836f33ef0b769be1d4274d411dfd9678cbab791ef0f?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Louise says\n   \n   February 14, 2026 at 7:52 am\n   \n   ![5 stars](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/content\/plugins\/wp-recipe-maker\/assets\/icons\/rating\/stars-5.svg)  \n    Love this recipe, very clear and straightforward recipe. The results were amazing – with one guinea pig, i mean taster, proclaiming them the best meatballs they’ve ever had. Even my daughter who does not like anything meat was tempted to try one and said it was very nice. Wow\\!\n   \n   [Reply](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#comment-1969477)\n9. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8a3c1d2ea52ba75530fb47cba6c0888466edf2bd4edfa3d917ebf5ee1c2fbc7d?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Jo cook says\n   \n   February 3, 2026 at 11:43 am\n   \n   Can a double batch of meatballs be made. Cooking one lot on the night. Freezing the other half for later\n   \n   [Reply](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#comment-1950894)\n10. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/32a8e097f5b4e12b9cab323038cbf2778aba6d3e027536f11e75a50fe2fb9453?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Sue B says\n    \n    January 21, 2026 at 1:04 pm\n    \n    Delicious and authentic recipe. For all you reviewers who like to make changes then dock stars, head on over to All Recipes and do your thing there. Nagi’s recipes are the bomb.\n    \n    [Reply](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#comment-1937811)\n11. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/45f1461de708f7d7b11283c8bd5da55966e839af7f80483d2e87a78d9faa8efa?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Kirrily says\n    \n    January 12, 2026 at 12:58 pm\n    \n    ![5 stars](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/content\/plugins\/wp-recipe-maker\/assets\/icons\/rating\/stars-5.svg)  \n     Love this recipe. Straightforward and tasty. Have added it to the list of meals we make regularly\n    \n    [Reply](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#comment-1926924)\n12. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3075f9d30ccc45a94ca1bd6a256c04b777b4346dd6fa6710bde6bf43b34eb87b?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Lina says\n    \n    January 11, 2026 at 11:21 am\n    \n    ![5 stars](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/content\/plugins\/wp-recipe-maker\/assets\/icons\/rating\/stars-5.svg)  \n     I am Swedish and this is now my go-to recipe for Swedish meatballs! It’s perfect! Love the onion\/bread soak; it really makes it extra juicy, and the nutmeg really brings out the authentic Swedish meatball flavor .\n    \n    [Reply](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#comment-1925581)\n13. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25eb7c78a03b7e0385801688e0a3a1a1c87449092d83a41b0a2ca7e6fd5e6cf9?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Craig says\n    \n    January 2, 2026 at 1:34 pm\n    \n    ![5 stars](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/content\/plugins\/wp-recipe-maker\/assets\/icons\/rating\/stars-5.svg)  \n     Awesome.recipe! Very rich and full of flavour… and so easy to nake. One of my new favourites.\n    \n    [Reply](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#comment-1919360)\n14. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/14028ee63e9f78d599615eaaa09a75624caa4442ef55840fbe6590c001b04503?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Michael P Ciell says\n    \n    December 24, 2025 at 5:03 am\n    \n    ![5 stars](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/content\/plugins\/wp-recipe-maker\/assets\/icons\/rating\/stars-5.svg)  \n     Excellent, but a ‘dash’ of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of dried Dill & a pinch of sugar takes the gravy ‘over the top’\n    \n    [Reply](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#comment-1909793)\n15. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/14028ee63e9f78d599615eaaa09a75624caa4442ef55840fbe6590c001b04503?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Michael P Ciell says\n    \n    December 24, 2025 at 5:03 am\n    \n    ![5 stars](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/content\/plugins\/wp-recipe-maker\/assets\/icons\/rating\/stars-5.svg)  \n     Excellent, but a ‘dash’ of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of dried Dill & a pinch of sugar takes the gravy ‘over the top’\n    \n    [Reply](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#comment-1909792)\n16. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e45a4a4c4d4f08d5ec733ca9142d654f9f4fb6567f87009f0f47e54fe37ded02?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Mike wallenhorst says\n    \n    December 14, 2025 at 11:39 am\n    \n    ![5 stars](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/content\/plugins\/wp-recipe-maker\/assets\/icons\/rating\/stars-5.svg)  \n     Just made a double batch for a family of five to serve over left over mashed potatoes. Great recipe as is. Everyone had seconds. No lingonberry needed! Happy holidays.\n    \n    [Reply](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#comment-1901294)\n17. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3385758100b12b5db030f54e6c19afe5dbec12c862db5806e85d2db4bb4a4db7?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Katrina says\n    \n    December 9, 2025 at 6:12 pm\n    \n    ![5 stars](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/content\/plugins\/wp-recipe-maker\/assets\/icons\/rating\/stars-5.svg)  \n     Absolutely delicious!\\!\n    \n    [Reply](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#comment-1897580)\n18. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/dfc8e53a4e99ff40ae234706c7b2951fd38cf932e304d5f5410b74e39ad54d06?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Allie says\n    \n    October 27, 2025 at 11:27 am\n    \n    ![5 stars](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/content\/plugins\/wp-recipe-maker\/assets\/icons\/rating\/stars-5.svg)  \n     Delicious meatballs\n    \n    [Reply](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#comment-1866411)\n19. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9663d0d364aafbb5a2a5f222719703a5db292520bab75f553ab6ce8af356d3ad?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)JV says\n    \n    October 27, 2025 at 9:05 am\n    \n    ![5 stars](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/content\/plugins\/wp-recipe-maker\/assets\/icons\/rating\/stars-5.svg)  \n     Truly one of the most amazing recipes I’ve tried! My family couldn’t get enough—we literally licked our plates clean. I doubled the sauce and served it over egg noodles, and it turned out perfect. Highly recommend\\!\n    \n    [Reply](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#comment-1866337)\n20. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e2f80a206a1ba8e2a4d81bd01ae9a4ac520af0c9831ac9322ba08d58e95c4ddf?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Heather says\n    \n    October 16, 2025 at 6:02 pm\n    \n    ![5 stars](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/content\/plugins\/wp-recipe-maker\/assets\/icons\/rating\/stars-5.svg)  \n     I read the comments and decided to go for more ‘zing’. (I’m not complaining–I’ve never had an IKEA meatball– I was just aiming for delicious.) Tripled the allspice and added a tbsp of mustard and a splash of worstershire sauce. Very good, and a definite heat coming through at the end of the mouthful. Might try reducing back to twice the allspice and adding some horseradish cream next time (to get the warmth right through).\n    \n    [Reply](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/#comment-1858090)\n\n[Older Comments](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/comment-page-2\/#comments)\n\n## Primary Sidebar\n![](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/tachyon\/2018\/12\/nagi.jpg?resize=747%2C747)\n\n### Hi, I'm Nagi\\!\nI believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. 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They’re a whole lot easier than assembling flat-pack furniture, that’s for sure! Extra-soft and juicy, with a dash of classic spices like allspice, they’re smothered with the bread-mop-worthy sauce.\n\n![Swedish Meatballs on a plate served with creamy mashed potato and a side of steamed broccolini](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/tachyon\/2020\/05\/Swedish-Meatballs-3.jpg)\n\nI’m that person who goes into Ikea just to pick up tea lights, only to emerge 2 hours later with all sorts of useful organisation solutions, looking for a problem to solve.\n\nI’m also that person who confidently puts together Ikea furniture (*I’m a chartered accountant! I can do this\\!*), only to worryingly end up with one leftover screw or bracket. Thankfully, none of my Ikea furniture has come tumbling down (yet), so now I have a theory that Ikea throws an extra piece into every flatpack *just to mess with us.*😂\n\nAs for their meatballs? Flatpack shopping is hard work. I can’t blame anyone who needs a pick-me-up after making it out the other end of the Ikea maze.\n\nBut once you’ve tried homemade Swedish Meatballs, you’ll never order these at the Ikea cafe ever again\\!\n\n![Swedish Meatballs in a skillet with creamy gravy, the traditional Swedish sauce](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/tachyon\/2017\/01\/Swedish-Meatballs_2.jpg)\n\n## **What’s so special about Swedish Meatballs?**\nIf you’re wondering what’s so special about Swedish Meatballs, or what they taste like, close your eyes and imagine this: incredibly soft meatballs, made extra juicy by using a combination of both pork and beef and soaked bread instead of breadcrumbs, lightly spiced with *just a touch* of nutmeg and all spice that gives it the signature Swedish flavour, smothered in a creamy gravy that is absolutely to-die-for.\n\nThese are meatballs unlike any other – and regular readers know I have a very big soft spot for my favourite [Italian Meatballs](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/classic-italian-meatballs-extra-soft-and-juicy\/).\n\nBut I’d go as far to say that if you aren’t a regular maker of meatballs for whatever reason (pain to roll them, don’t like mixing meat with your hands etc etc), but you have the inclination to make ONE meatball recipe, make it these Swedish Meatballs.\n\nYou won’t regret it. I promise.\n\n![Spoon drizzling sauce over Swedish Meatballs](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/tachyon\/2017\/01\/Swedish-Meatballs_6.jpg)\n\n## **What goes in Swedish Meatballs**\nHere’s what you need to make the Swedish Meatballs.\n\n![Ingredients in Swedish meatballs](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/tachyon\/2017\/01\/Ingredients-in-Swedish-Meatballs.jpg)\n\n- Beef AND pork – the beef gives it flavour, the pork gives it juiciness and tenderness;\n- Bread – the secret to extra soft meatballs! Far more effective than breadcrumbs;\n- Nutmeg and All Spice – the signature spicing, just a small, subtle amount. *All Spice* is a particular type of spice made from a plant called Pimenta dioica. It smells like cloves. It’s a common spice found in normal supermarkets, and costs no more than usual spices. *Best substitute is Mixed Spice.*\n- Beef stock\/broth and cream – for the creamy gravy;\n- Flour – to thicken the gravy;\n- Egg – for binding the meatballs together.\n***\n## **How to make Swedish Meatballs**\nHere’s how to make them:\n\n**FIRST,** chop up sandwich bread, the soak in grated onion. *This is a secret tip for ultra soft, extra tasty meatballs.* Grating onion = no need to pan fry chopped onion AND extracts onion juices which soaks the bread, which later puffs up inside the meatballs as they cook, creating ultra soft meatballs\\!\n\n![How to make Swedish Meatballs](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/tachyon\/2017\/01\/How-to-make-Swedish-Meatballs-1.jpg)\n\n## **How I roll meatballs**\nAnd here’s how I roll meatballs. It’s the fastest method I’ve been able to come up with\\!\n\n1. Use an ice cream scooper with a lever to scoop up the mixture. Standard size is 3 tablespoons – I use slightly less than the scoop (3 tablespoons is quite large);\n2. Scoop and dollop all the mixture;\n3. THEN roll them all;\n4. Voila! Even size meatballs, rolled relatively quickly\\!\n\n![How to make Swedish Meatballs](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/tachyon\/2017\/01\/How-to-make-Swedish-Meatballs-2.jpg)\n\n## **Sauce for Swedish Meatballs**\n**The sauce for Swedish Meatballs** is a creamy gravy that is made with butter, beef broth\/stock, thickened with flour and made creamy with cream.\n\nBut the **most important flavour** for the a really good creamy gravy is the pan drippings after searing the meatballs. All the brown stuff left in the pan after browning the meatballs adds *incredible* flavour into the gravy, which is why baking these meatballs is not an option!!\\!\n\n![How to make Swedish Meatballs](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/tachyon\/2017\/01\/How-to-make-Swedish-Meatballs-3.jpg)\n\n![Close up of Swedish Meatballs in a skillet](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/tachyon\/2017\/01\/Swedish-Meatballs_3.jpg)\n\n## **What to serve with Swedish Meatballs**\nThe Swedish Meatball eating experience is incomplete without creamy [Mashed Potato](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/mashed-potato\/). You *need* the mash so you can savour every last drop of that wickedly delicious creamy gravy.\n\nHaving said that though, rice, noodles or pasta are adequate fall backs, or some bread for mopping up the sauce (try this easy [Artisan bread](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/easy-yeast-bread-recipe-no-knead\/), or emergency [No Yeast Sandwich Bread](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/sandwich-bread-without-yeast-quick-easy\/)). And if you’re really trying to cut down on carbs, [Creamy Mashed Cauliflower](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/creamy-mashed-cauliflower\/) is your answer\\!\n\nIf you start now, you’ll have these on the table in less than hour. Are you ready for the most sinfully delectable meatballs you’ve ever had in your life?? ***– Nagi x***\n***\n## **Watch how to make it**\n*This recipe features in my [debut cookbook Dinner](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/cookbook\/). The book is mostly new recipes, but this is a reader favourite included by popular demand\\!*\n\nSubscribe to my [newsletter](https:\/\/recipetineats.ck.page\/6f68ed0a2d) and follow along on [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/RecipeTinEats), [Pinterest](http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/recipetin\/) and [Instagram](http:\/\/instagram.com\/recipe_tin) for all of the latest updates.\n\nServings[5](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/swedish-meatballs\/)\n\nTap or hover to scale\n\n**Recipe video above.** Juicy meatballs smothered in a beautiful creamy gravy, with a hint of spicing that Swedish Meatballs are known for. Made extra soft and extra tasty by soaking fresh bread in grated onion – tried and tested technique used in my most of my [meatball recipes](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/category\/collections\/meatball-recipes\/), highly approved by readers! (See [Italian Meatball reviews](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/classic-italian-meatballs-extra-soft-and-juicy\/) as an example)\n\n#### Meatballs\n- ▢\n  2 slices white sandwich bread , crusts removed, chopped into small cubes (Note 1)\n- ▢\n  1 onion , small (brown, white or yellow)\n- ▢\n  300g \/ 10 oz ground beef (mince)\n- ▢\n  300g \/ 10 oz ground pork (mince) , or sub with more beef (Note 2)\n- ▢\n  1 egg\n- ▢\n  1\/4 tsp ground nutmeg , preferably freshly grated\n- ▢\n  1\/4 tsp All Spice powder (Note 3)\n- ▢\n  1\/4 tsp black pepper\n- ▢\n  3\/4 tsp salt\n- ▢\n  1 tbsp oil\n\n#### Gravy\n- ▢\n  40g \/ 3 tbsp butter , unsalted\n- ▢\n  3 tbsp flour\n- ▢\n  2 cups beef broth\/stock  (salt reduced), or sub with chicken\n- ▢\n  1\/2 cup heavy \/ thickened cream (Note 4)\n\nCook ModePrevent screen from sleeping\n\n- Grate onion using a standard box grater (see video).\n- Scrape onion and juices into bowl. Add bread and mix well – onion juice should make bread soggy (if not, add a tiny splash of milk). Set aside to soak for 1 minute.\n- Add remaining Meatball ingredients EXCEPT oil. Mix well.\n- Using a tablespoon measure and measure out a heaped tablespoon (or use ice cream scooper which is what I do), dollop on work surface. Repeat with remaining mixture: 25 – 30 meatballs. Then roll into shape.\n\n#### Cooking\n- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add half the meatballs and brown all over (but raw inside still) – about 3 minutes. Remove onto plate, then brown the remaining batch.\n- If there is lots of oil, pour off excess and discard. Lower heat to medium.\n\n#### Gravy\n- Add butter into skillet and melt. Add flour and stir in. Cook for 1 minute.\n- While mixing, add about 1\/4 of the beef broth – it will thicken quickly. Then gradually add remaining beef broth, stirring as you go. Switch to whisk if required to make it lump free.\n- When the liquid is simmering, add meatball and juices pooled on plate.\n- Turn up heat slightly to keep it at a rapid simmer. Cook for 8 – 10 minutes or until the liquid thickens into a thin gravy, stirring occasionally.\n- Add cream, simmer for a further 2 minutes then remove from stove.\n- Serve over [mashed potato](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/mashed-potato\/) (or [Cauliflower Mash](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/creamy-mashed-cauliflower\/) for low carb). For a truly authentic experience, add a dollop of ligonberry jam on the side\\!\n\n**1\\. Bread** – just plain white sandwich bread. Wholemeal also fine. If you use one with grains or seeds, you’ll end up with the seeds in the meatballs.\n\nMake your own [Emergency No Yeast Bread](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/sandwich-bread-without-yeast-quick-easy\/) (this works great with meatballs, I used it last week) and this simple [Artisan Bread](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/easy-yeast-bread-recipe-no-knead\/) also works great\\!\n\n**2\\. Meat –** mix of pork and beef is part of the authentic flavour of Swedish Meatballs, and pork makes the meatballs extra soft and juice. But you can use all beef or all pork. You could also make this with chicken or turkey\\!\n\n**3\\. All Spice –** smells like cloves, it’s a particular type of spice sold in everyday grocery stores, costs no more than usual spices. **Substitute with Mixed Spice**, or equal parts nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves.\n\n**4\\. Cream v Sour Cream –** The jury is out on whether it should be made with sour cream or normal cream. Most recipes tend to use cream. If you like the slight tang from sour cream (like with [Stroganoff sauce](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/beef-stroganoff\/)), go ahead\\!\n\nYogurt can also be used, as well as reduced fat and pouring cream. The gravy might need an extra minute or two to thicken, and obviously won’t have as rich a mouthfeel (because it’s lower fat). But still a creamy texture to the gravy – it will still look like the photos and video\\!\n\n**5\\. Nutrition** for meatballs only, and all gravy. This doesn’t take into account fat discarded from skillet.\n\nServing: 289gCalories: 475cal (24%)Carbohydrates: 11g (4%)Protein: 28g (56%)Fat: 35g (54%)Saturated Fat: 16g (100%)Cholesterol: 163mg (54%)Sodium: 727mg (32%)Potassium: 645mg (18%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 2g (2%)Vitamin A: 597IU (12%)Vitamin C: 2mg (2%)Calcium: 65mg (7%)Iron: 3mg (17%)\n\nKeywords: sauce for swedish meatballs, swedish meatballs\n\nOriginally published January 2017. Post updated 13 May 2020 with improved videos, plus ingredients and step photos added. No change to recipe, it’s perfect as is!!\\!\n***\n## **Life of Dozer**\nDozer – I love you, but if you bump that tripod while I’m filming, you will be in a LOT of trouble!\\!\n\n![Dozer under tripod](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/tachyon\/2020\/05\/Dozer-under-tripod.jpg)\n\n**And from the original publication date:**\n\nTrying to negotiate with Dozer using a Swedish Meatball…..\n\n![Dozer Swedish Meatballs\\_9](https:\/\/www.recipetineats.com\/tachyon\/2017\/01\/Dozer-Swedish-Meatballs_9.jpg)","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	These heavenly Swedish Meatballs are a homemade version of the iconic Ikea meatballs. They’re a whole lot easier than assembling flat-pack furniture, that’s for sure! Extra-soft and juicy, with a dash of classic spices like allspice, they’re smothered with the bread-mop-worthy sauce. I’m that person who goes into Ikea just to pick up tea lights, only to emerge 2 hours later with all sorts of useful organisation solutions, looking for a problem to solve. I’m also that person who confidently puts together Ikea furniture ( I’m a chartered accountant! I can do this! ), only to worryingly end up with one leftover screw or bracket. Thankfully, none of my Ikea furniture has come tumbling down (yet), so now I have a theory that Ikea throws an extra piece into every flatpack just to mess with us. 😂 As for their meatballs? Flatpack shopping is hard work. I can’t blame anyone who needs a pick-me-up after making it out the other end of the Ikea maze. But once you’ve tried homemade Swedish Meatballs, you’ll never order these at the Ikea cafe ever again! What’s so special about Swedish Meatballs? If you’re wondering what’s so special about Swedish Meatballs, or what they taste like, close your eyes and imagine this: incredibly soft meatballs, made extra juicy by using a combination of both pork and beef and soaked bread instead of breadcrumbs, lightly spiced with just a touch of nutmeg and all spice that gives it the signature Swedish flavour, smothered in a creamy gravy that is absolutely to-die-for. These are meatballs unlike any other – and regular readers know I have a very big soft spot for my favourite Italian Meatballs . But I’d go as far to say that if you aren’t a regular maker of meatballs for whatever reason (pain to roll them, don’t like mixing meat with your hands etc etc), but you have the inclination to make ONE meatball recipe, make it these Swedish Meatballs. You won’t regret it. I promise. What goes in Swedish Meatballs Here’s what you need to make the Swedish Meatballs. Beef AND pork – the beef gives it flavour, the pork gives it juiciness and tenderness; Bread – the secret to extra soft meatballs! Far more effective than breadcrumbs; Nutmeg and All Spice – the signature spicing, just a small, subtle amount. All Spice is a particular type of spice made from a plant called Pimenta dioica. It smells like cloves. It’s a common spice found in normal supermarkets, and costs no more than usual spices. Best substitute is Mixed Spice. Beef stock/broth and cream – for the creamy gravy; Flour – to thicken the gravy; Egg – for binding the meatballs together. How to make Swedish Meatballs Here’s how to make them: FIRST, chop up sandwich bread, the soak in grated onion. This is a secret tip for ultra soft, extra tasty meatballs. Grating onion = no need to pan fry chopped onion AND extracts onion juices which soaks the bread, which later puffs up inside the meatballs as they cook, creating ultra soft meatballs! How I roll meatballs And here’s how I roll meatballs. It’s the fastest method I’ve been able to come up with! Use an ice cream scooper with a lever to scoop up the mixture. Standard size is 3 tablespoons – I use slightly less than the scoop (3 tablespoons is quite large); Scoop and dollop all the mixture; THEN roll them all; Voila! Even size meatballs, rolled relatively quickly! Sauce for Swedish Meatballs The sauce for Swedish Meatballs is a creamy gravy that is made with butter, beef broth/stock, thickened with flour and made creamy with cream. But the most important flavour for the a really good creamy gravy is the pan drippings after searing the meatballs. All the brown stuff left in the pan after browning the meatballs adds incredible flavour into the gravy, which is why baking these meatballs is not an option!!! What to serve with Swedish Meatballs The Swedish Meatball eating experience is incomplete without creamy Mashed Potato . You need the mash so you can savour every last drop of that wickedly delicious creamy gravy. Having said that though, rice, noodles or pasta are adequate fall backs, or some bread for mopping up the sauce (try this easy Artisan bread , or emergency No Yeast Sandwich Bread ). And if you’re really trying to cut down on carbs, Creamy Mashed Cauliflower is your answer! If you start now, you’ll have these on the table in less than hour. Are you ready for the most sinfully delectable meatballs you’ve ever had in your life?? – Nagi x Watch how to make it This recipe features in my debut cookbook Dinner . The book is mostly new recipes, but this is a reader favourite included by popular demand! Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook , Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates. Servings 5 Tap or hover to scale Recipe video above. Juicy meatballs smothered in a beautiful creamy gravy, with a hint of spicing that Swedish Meatballs are known for. Made extra soft and extra tasty by soaking fresh bread in grated onion – tried and tested technique used in my most of my meatball recipes , highly approved by readers! (See Italian Meatball reviews as an example) Meatballs ▢ 2 slices white sandwich bread , crusts removed, chopped into small cubes (Note 1) ▢ 1 onion , small (brown, white or yellow) ▢ 300g / 10 oz ground beef (mince) ▢ 300g / 10 oz ground pork (mince) , or sub with more beef (Note 2) ▢ 1 egg ▢ 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg , preferably freshly grated ▢ 1/4 tsp All Spice powder (Note 3) ▢ 1/4 tsp black pepper ▢ 3/4 tsp salt ▢ 1 tbsp oil Gravy ▢ 40g / 3 tbsp butter , unsalted ▢ 3 tbsp flour ▢ 2 cups beef broth/stock (salt reduced), or sub with chicken ▢ 1/2 cup heavy / thickened cream (Note 4) Cook Mode Prevent screen from sleeping Grate onion using a standard box grater (see video). Scrape onion and juices into bowl. Add bread and mix well – onion juice should make bread soggy (if not, add a tiny splash of milk). Set aside to soak for 1 minute. Add remaining Meatball ingredients EXCEPT oil. Mix well. Using a tablespoon measure and measure out a heaped tablespoon (or use ice cream scooper which is what I do), dollop on work surface. Repeat with remaining mixture: 25 – 30 meatballs. Then roll into shape. Cooking Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add half the meatballs and brown all over (but raw inside still) – about 3 minutes. Remove onto plate, then brown the remaining batch. If there is lots of oil, pour off excess and discard. Lower heat to medium. Gravy Add butter into skillet and melt. Add flour and stir in. Cook for 1 minute. While mixing, add about 1/4 of the beef broth – it will thicken quickly. Then gradually add remaining beef broth, stirring as you go. Switch to whisk if required to make it lump free. When the liquid is simmering, add meatball and juices pooled on plate. Turn up heat slightly to keep it at a rapid simmer. Cook for 8 – 10 minutes or until the liquid thickens into a thin gravy, stirring occasionally. Add cream, simmer for a further 2 minutes then remove from stove. Serve over mashed potato (or Cauliflower Mash for low carb). For a truly authentic experience, add a dollop of ligonberry jam on the side! 1. Bread – just plain white sandwich bread. Wholemeal also fine. If you use one with grains or seeds, you’ll end up with the seeds in the meatballs. Make your own Emergency No Yeast Bread (this works great with meatballs, I used it last week) and this simple Artisan Bread also works great! 2. Meat – mix of pork and beef is part of the authentic flavour of Swedish Meatballs, and pork makes the meatballs extra soft and juice. But you can use all beef or all pork. You could also make this with chicken or turkey! 3. All Spice – smells like cloves, it’s a particular type of spice sold in everyday grocery stores, costs no more than usual spices. Substitute with Mixed Spice , or equal parts nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves. 4. Cream v Sour Cream – The jury is out on whether it should be made with sour cream or normal cream. Most recipes tend to use cream. If you like the slight tang from sour cream (like with Stroganoff sauce ), go ahead! Yogurt can also be used, as well as reduced fat and pouring cream. The gravy might need an extra minute or two to thicken, and obviously won’t have as rich a mouthfeel (because it’s lower fat). But still a creamy texture to the gravy – it will still look like the photos and video! 5. Nutrition for meatballs only, and all gravy. This doesn’t take into account fat discarded from skillet. Serving: 289 g Calories: 475 cal (24%) Carbohydrates: 11 g (4%) Protein: 28 g (56%) Fat: 35 g (54%) Saturated Fat: 16 g (100%) Cholesterol: 163 mg (54%) Sodium: 727 mg (32%) Potassium: 645 mg (18%) Fiber: 1 g (4%) Sugar: 2 g (2%) Vitamin A: 597 IU (12%) Vitamin C: 2 mg (2%) Calcium: 65 mg (7%) Iron: 3 mg (17%) Keywords: sauce for swedish meatballs, swedish meatballs Originally published January 2017. Post updated 13 May 2020 with improved videos, plus ingredients and step photos added. No change to recipe, it’s perfect as is!!! Life of Dozer Dozer – I love you, but if you bump that tripod while I’m filming, you will be in a LOT of trouble!! And from the original publication date: Trying to negotiate with Dozer using a Swedish Meatball…..
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[Policy: Use of Recipes & Images](https://www.recipetineats.com/policy-use-of-recipes-images/) - [Privacy & Disclosure](https://www.recipetineats.com/nagi-recipetin-eats/privacy-disclosure/) [Home](https://www.recipetineats.com/) [Collections](https://www.recipetineats.com/category/collections/) [Winter Warmers](https://www.recipetineats.com/category/collections/winter-recipe-collection/) # Swedish Meatballs (homemade Ikea Meatballs) [![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/75eae612677fdf550ba9a478ea595902153a0a06b8b27aaf6bc3eddcf6367244?s=96&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)](http://www.recipetineats.com/about-me/) By [Nagi Maehashi](http://www.recipetineats.com/about-me/) [795 Comments](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/#comments) Share Share - [Copy Link](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/) - [E-mail](<mailto:?subject=RecipeTin Eats: Swedish Meatballs (homemade Ikea Meatballs)&body=https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/>) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/&t=Swedish%20Meatballs%20\(homemade%20Ikea%20Meatballs\)) - [WhatsApp](https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=Swedish%20Meatballs%20\(homemade%20Ikea%20Meatballs\)%20-%20https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/) Published13 May '20 Updated9 May '25 Jump to [Recipe](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/#recipe) Video Dozer These heavenly Swedish Meatballs are a homemade version of the iconic Ikea meatballs. They’re a whole lot easier than assembling flat-pack furniture, that’s for sure! Extra-soft and juicy, with a dash of classic spices like allspice, they’re smothered with the bread-mop-worthy sauce. ![Swedish Meatballs on a plate served with creamy mashed potato and a side of steamed broccolini](https://www.recipetineats.com/tachyon/2020/05/Swedish-Meatballs-3.jpg) ## Swedish Meatballs I’m that person who goes into Ikea just to pick up tea lights, only to emerge 2 hours later with all sorts of useful organisation solutions, looking for a problem to solve. I’m also that person who confidently puts together Ikea furniture (I’m a chartered accountant! I can do this\!), only to worryingly end up with one leftover screw or bracket. Thankfully, none of my Ikea furniture has come tumbling down (yet), so now I have a theory that Ikea throws an extra piece into every flatpack just to mess with us.😂 As for their meatballs? Flatpack shopping is hard work. I can’t blame anyone who needs a pick-me-up after making it out the other end of the Ikea maze. But once you’ve tried homemade Swedish Meatballs, you’ll never order these at the Ikea cafe ever again\! ![Swedish Meatballs in a skillet with creamy gravy, the traditional Swedish sauce](https://www.recipetineats.com/tachyon/2017/01/Swedish-Meatballs_2.jpg) ## What’s so special about Swedish Meatballs? If you’re wondering what’s so special about Swedish Meatballs, or what they taste like, close your eyes and imagine this: incredibly soft meatballs, made extra juicy by using a combination of both pork and beef and soaked bread instead of breadcrumbs, lightly spiced with just a touch of nutmeg and all spice that gives it the signature Swedish flavour, smothered in a creamy gravy that is absolutely to-die-for. These are meatballs unlike any other – and regular readers know I have a very big soft spot for my favourite [Italian Meatballs](https://www.recipetineats.com/classic-italian-meatballs-extra-soft-and-juicy/). But I’d go as far to say that if you aren’t a regular maker of meatballs for whatever reason (pain to roll them, don’t like mixing meat with your hands etc etc), but you have the inclination to make ONE meatball recipe, make it these Swedish Meatballs. You won’t regret it. I promise. ![Spoon drizzling sauce over Swedish Meatballs](https://www.recipetineats.com/tachyon/2017/01/Swedish-Meatballs_6.jpg) ## What goes in Swedish Meatballs Here’s what you need to make the Swedish Meatballs. ![Ingredients in Swedish meatballs](https://www.recipetineats.com/tachyon/2017/01/Ingredients-in-Swedish-Meatballs.jpg) - Beef AND pork – the beef gives it flavour, the pork gives it juiciness and tenderness; - Bread – the secret to extra soft meatballs! Far more effective than breadcrumbs; - Nutmeg and All Spice – the signature spicing, just a small, subtle amount. All Spice is a particular type of spice made from a plant called Pimenta dioica. It smells like cloves. It’s a common spice found in normal supermarkets, and costs no more than usual spices. Best substitute is Mixed Spice. - Beef stock/broth and cream – for the creamy gravy; - Flour – to thicken the gravy; - Egg – for binding the meatballs together. * ## How to make Swedish Meatballs Here’s how to make them: FIRST,** chop up sandwich bread, the soak in grated onion. This is a secret tip for ultra soft, extra tasty meatballs. Grating onion = no need to pan fry chopped onion AND extracts onion juices which soaks the bread, which later puffs up inside the meatballs as they cook, creating ultra soft meatballs\! ![How to make Swedish Meatballs](https://www.recipetineats.com/tachyon/2017/01/How-to-make-Swedish-Meatballs-1.jpg) ## How I roll meatballs And here’s how I roll meatballs. It’s the fastest method I’ve been able to come up with\! 1. Use an ice cream scooper with a lever to scoop up the mixture. Standard size is 3 tablespoons – I use slightly less than the scoop (3 tablespoons is quite large); 2. Scoop and dollop all the mixture; 3. THEN roll them all; 4. Voila! Even size meatballs, rolled relatively quickly\! ![How to make Swedish Meatballs](https://www.recipetineats.com/tachyon/2017/01/How-to-make-Swedish-Meatballs-2.jpg) ## Sauce for Swedish Meatballs The sauce for Swedish Meatballs is a creamy gravy that is made with butter, beef broth/stock, thickened with flour and made creamy with cream. But the most important flavour for the a really good creamy gravy is the pan drippings after searing the meatballs. All the brown stuff left in the pan after browning the meatballs adds incredible flavour into the gravy, which is why baking these meatballs is not an option!!\! ![How to make Swedish Meatballs](https://www.recipetineats.com/tachyon/2017/01/How-to-make-Swedish-Meatballs-3.jpg) ![Close up of Swedish Meatballs in a skillet](https://www.recipetineats.com/tachyon/2017/01/Swedish-Meatballs_3.jpg) ## What to serve with Swedish Meatballs The Swedish Meatball eating experience is incomplete without creamy [Mashed Potato](https://www.recipetineats.com/mashed-potato/). You need the mash so you can savour every last drop of that wickedly delicious creamy gravy. Having said that though, rice, noodles or pasta are adequate fall backs, or some bread for mopping up the sauce (try this easy [Artisan bread](https://www.recipetineats.com/easy-yeast-bread-recipe-no-knead/), or emergency [No Yeast Sandwich Bread](https://www.recipetineats.com/sandwich-bread-without-yeast-quick-easy/)). And if you’re really trying to cut down on carbs, [Creamy Mashed Cauliflower](https://www.recipetineats.com/creamy-mashed-cauliflower/) is your answer\! If you start now, you’ll have these on the table in less than hour. Are you ready for the most sinfully delectable meatballs you’ve ever had in your life?? *– Nagi x* * ## Watch how to make it** This recipe features in my [debut cookbook Dinner](https://www.recipetineats.com/cookbook/). The book is mostly new recipes, but this is a reader favourite included by popular demand\! This recipe features in my [debut cookbook Dinner](https://www.recipetineats.com/cookbook/). The book is mostly new recipes, but this is a reader favourite included by popular demand\! Hungry for more? Subscribe to my [newsletter](https://recipetineats.ck.page/6f68ed0a2d) and follow along on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/RecipeTinEats), [Pinterest](http://www.pinterest.com/recipetin/) and [Instagram](http://instagram.com/recipe_tin) for all of the latest updates. ![](https://www.recipetineats.com/tachyon/2017/01/Swedish-Meatballs_2-SQ.jpg?resize=206%2C206) ## Swedish Meatballs (homemade Ikea Meatballs) Author: Nagi \\| RecipeTin Eats Prep: 20 minutes mins Cook: 30 minutes mins Total: 50 minutes mins Mains swedish 4\.92 from 318 votes Servings[5](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/) Tap or hover to scale [Print](https://www.recipetineats.com/wprm_print/swedish-meatballs-homemade-ikea-meatballs) - [301](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Fswedish-meatballs%2F&t=Swedish%20Meatballs%20%28homemade%20Ikea%20Meatballs%29 "Share on Facebook") - 16136 Recipe video above. Juicy meatballs smothered in a beautiful creamy gravy, with a hint of spicing that Swedish Meatballs are known for. Made extra soft and extra tasty by soaking fresh bread in grated onion – tried and tested technique used in my most of my [meatball recipes](https://www.recipetineats.com/category/collections/meatball-recipes/), highly approved by readers! (See [Italian Meatball reviews](https://www.recipetineats.com/classic-italian-meatballs-extra-soft-and-juicy/) as an example) ### Ingredients Cups Metric #### Meatballs - ▢ 2 slices white sandwich bread , crusts removed, chopped into small cubes (Note 1) - ▢ 1 onion , small (brown, white or yellow) - ▢ 300g / 10 oz ground beef (mince) - ▢ 300g / 10 oz ground pork (mince) , or sub with more beef (Note 2) - ▢ 1 egg - ▢ 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg , preferably freshly grated - ▢ 1/4 tsp All Spice powder (Note 3) - ▢ 1/4 tsp black pepper - ▢ 3/4 tsp salt - ▢ 1 tbsp oil #### Gravy - ▢ 40g / 3 tbsp butter , unsalted - ▢ 3 tbsp flour - ▢ 2 cups beef broth/stock (salt reduced), or sub with chicken - ▢ 1/2 cup heavy / thickened cream (Note 4) Cook Mode Prevent screen from sleeping ### Instructions - Grate onion using a standard box grater (see video). - Scrape onion and juices into bowl. Add bread and mix well – onion juice should make bread soggy (if not, add a tiny splash of milk). Set aside to soak for 1 minute. - Add remaining Meatball ingredients EXCEPT oil. Mix well. - Using a tablespoon measure and measure out a heaped tablespoon (or use ice cream scooper which is what I do), dollop on work surface. Repeat with remaining mixture: 25 – 30 meatballs. Then roll into shape. #### Cooking - Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add half the meatballs and brown all over (but raw inside still) – about 3 minutes. Remove onto plate, then brown the remaining batch. - If there is lots of oil, pour off excess and discard. Lower heat to medium. #### Gravy - Add butter into skillet and melt. Add flour and stir in. Cook for 1 minute. - While mixing, add about 1/4 of the beef broth – it will thicken quickly. Then gradually add remaining beef broth, stirring as you go. Switch to whisk if required to make it lump free. - When the liquid is simmering, add meatball and juices pooled on plate. - Turn up heat slightly to keep it at a rapid simmer. Cook for 8 – 10 minutes or until the liquid thickens into a thin gravy, stirring occasionally. - Add cream, simmer for a further 2 minutes then remove from stove. - Serve over [mashed potato](https://www.recipetineats.com/mashed-potato/) (or [Cauliflower Mash](https://www.recipetineats.com/creamy-mashed-cauliflower/) for low carb). For a truly authentic experience, add a dollop of ligonberry jam on the side\! ### Recipe Notes: 1\. Bread – just plain white sandwich bread. Wholemeal also fine. If you use one with grains or seeds, you’ll end up with the seeds in the meatballs. Make your own [Emergency No Yeast Bread](https://www.recipetineats.com/sandwich-bread-without-yeast-quick-easy/) (this works great with meatballs, I used it last week) and this simple [Artisan Bread](https://www.recipetineats.com/easy-yeast-bread-recipe-no-knead/) also works great\! 2\. Meat – mix of pork and beef is part of the authentic flavour of Swedish Meatballs, and pork makes the meatballs extra soft and juice. But you can use all beef or all pork. You could also make this with chicken or turkey\! 3\. All Spice – smells like cloves, it’s a particular type of spice sold in everyday grocery stores, costs no more than usual spices. Substitute with Mixed Spice, or equal parts nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves. 4\. Cream v Sour Cream – The jury is out on whether it should be made with sour cream or normal cream. Most recipes tend to use cream. If you like the slight tang from sour cream (like with [Stroganoff sauce](https://www.recipetineats.com/beef-stroganoff/)), go ahead\! Yogurt can also be used, as well as reduced fat and pouring cream. The gravy might need an extra minute or two to thicken, and obviously won’t have as rich a mouthfeel (because it’s lower fat). But still a creamy texture to the gravy – it will still look like the photos and video\! 5\. Nutrition for meatballs only, and all gravy. This doesn’t take into account fat discarded from skillet. ### Nutrition Information: Serving: 289gCalories: 475cal (24%)Carbohydrates: 11g (4%)Protein: 28g (56%)Fat: 35g (54%)Saturated Fat: 16g (100%)Cholesterol: 163mg (54%)Sodium: 727mg (32%)Potassium: 645mg (18%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 2g (2%)Vitamin A: 597IU (12%)Vitamin C: 2mg (2%)Calcium: 65mg (7%)Iron: 3mg (17%) Keywords: sauce for swedish meatballs, swedish meatballs Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at [@recipe\_tin](https://www.instagram.com/recipe_tin/). Originally published January 2017. Post updated 13 May 2020 with improved videos, plus ingredients and step photos added. No change to recipe, it’s perfect as is!!\! * ## Life of Dozer Dozer – I love you, but if you bump that tripod while I’m filming, you will be in a LOT of trouble!\! ![Dozer under tripod](https://www.recipetineats.com/tachyon/2020/05/Dozer-under-tripod.jpg) And from the original publication date:** Trying to negotiate with Dozer using a Swedish Meatball….. ![Dozer Swedish Meatballs\_9](https://www.recipetineats.com/tachyon/2017/01/Dozer-Swedish-Meatballs_9.jpg) SaveSave [Previous Post Heinz Baked Beans recipe – copycat\!](https://www.recipetineats.com/homemade-baked-beans-recipe-heinz/) [Next Post Vietnamese Chicken Pho soup (Pho Ga)](https://www.recipetineats.com/vietnamese-chicken-pho-soup-pho-ga/) #### Hi, I'm Nagi\! I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative\! [Read More](http://www.recipetineats.com/about-me/) ### Free Recipe eBooks Join my free email list to receive THREE free cookbooks\! ## Reader Interactions ### Leave a Comment [Cancel reply](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/#respond) #### 795 Comments 1. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8f0e2a1f5105be5a6f48aa6764922538e157d46607ccfa1b354a34d17b8a9bf6?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Peter Hambleton says March 27, 2026 at 10:10 am ![5 stars](https://www.recipetineats.com/content/plugins/wp-recipe-maker/assets/icons/rating/stars-5.svg) Awesome!\! [Reply](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/#comment-1997191) 2. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8f0e2a1f5105be5a6f48aa6764922538e157d46607ccfa1b354a34d17b8a9bf6?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Peter Hambleton says March 27, 2026 at 9:53 am Hey there Nagi, we too have had Ikea meatballs over the years, these were wayyy better, made with tonight with creamy mashed, the gravy is most excellent, scrapings from the pan enhanced it wonderfully. Thanks so much for this….. Peter H [Reply](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/#comment-1997178) 3. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f253e9c4e98c99e9c4c4e2d1d801bb5de8f9714ae36a66614ed5e15cadf5c971?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Carol says March 20, 2026 at 6:02 am ![5 stars](https://www.recipetineats.com/content/plugins/wp-recipe-maker/assets/icons/rating/stars-5.svg) Just made these exactly as written and served with mashed potatoes. Excellent !\! [Reply](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/#comment-1992766) 4. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b1f6c5470da1d6fb1f7f10b504e223efd86adf37ec92b43596f4a4fe45f77502?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Tracy says March 11, 2026 at 11:08 pm ![5 stars](https://www.recipetineats.com/content/plugins/wp-recipe-maker/assets/icons/rating/stars-5.svg) Fabulous, family all declared they are better than Ikea balls. I used a couple of good pork sausages in lieu of pork mince. Great meal [Reply](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/#comment-1987736) 5. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/533e738f6b7fa2930e1eb6ee47ed314c407a558f58ecdae6ae09963085bbeac0?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Marge says March 9, 2026 at 6:01 pm ![5 stars](https://www.recipetineats.com/content/plugins/wp-recipe-maker/assets/icons/rating/stars-5.svg) I’ve made this a few times for family, and hand on heart, the only thing you need in order to enjoy this is a spoon. No plate necessary. Just stand by the stove with your spoon and enjoy. [Reply](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/#comment-1985850) 6. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9a0ac8897cb3b6d6a482743fdf0df9aadb750bab8e057f0a926a479f88fe7a2e?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Keri says February 19, 2026 at 5:40 pm ![5 stars](https://www.recipetineats.com/content/plugins/wp-recipe-maker/assets/icons/rating/stars-5.svg) Delicious!!! The onion and bread soak is such a good trick, soft and juicy meatballs and the most amazing sauce. Kiddo even said the best meatballs they’ve ever had. Will definitely be made again in our house. [Reply](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/#comment-1973412) 7. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8cdfb3b2e0f1f40e55a3334c0b06f48a62a12449fd1e4797a14861133a2a588e?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Rosie Catherwood says February 18, 2026 at 9:12 am ![5 stars](https://www.recipetineats.com/content/plugins/wp-recipe-maker/assets/icons/rating/stars-5.svg) Ab Fab. Well beyond my expectations on my first ever exploration into Swedish meatballs. Completely delicious. Had no cream so used thick yoghurt. Could have eaten the whole thing twice but controlled myself and froze the other half\! [Reply](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/#comment-1972264) 8. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/521aa7b2173ae89d4e295836f33ef0b769be1d4274d411dfd9678cbab791ef0f?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Louise says February 14, 2026 at 7:52 am ![5 stars](https://www.recipetineats.com/content/plugins/wp-recipe-maker/assets/icons/rating/stars-5.svg) Love this recipe, very clear and straightforward recipe. The results were amazing – with one guinea pig, i mean taster, proclaiming them the best meatballs they’ve ever had. Even my daughter who does not like anything meat was tempted to try one and said it was very nice. Wow\! [Reply](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/#comment-1969477) 9. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8a3c1d2ea52ba75530fb47cba6c0888466edf2bd4edfa3d917ebf5ee1c2fbc7d?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Jo cook says February 3, 2026 at 11:43 am Can a double batch of meatballs be made. Cooking one lot on the night. Freezing the other half for later [Reply](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/#comment-1950894) 10. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/32a8e097f5b4e12b9cab323038cbf2778aba6d3e027536f11e75a50fe2fb9453?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Sue B says January 21, 2026 at 1:04 pm Delicious and authentic recipe. For all you reviewers who like to make changes then dock stars, head on over to All Recipes and do your thing there. Nagi’s recipes are the bomb. [Reply](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/#comment-1937811) 11. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45f1461de708f7d7b11283c8bd5da55966e839af7f80483d2e87a78d9faa8efa?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Kirrily says January 12, 2026 at 12:58 pm ![5 stars](https://www.recipetineats.com/content/plugins/wp-recipe-maker/assets/icons/rating/stars-5.svg) Love this recipe. Straightforward and tasty. Have added it to the list of meals we make regularly [Reply](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/#comment-1926924) 12. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3075f9d30ccc45a94ca1bd6a256c04b777b4346dd6fa6710bde6bf43b34eb87b?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Lina says January 11, 2026 at 11:21 am ![5 stars](https://www.recipetineats.com/content/plugins/wp-recipe-maker/assets/icons/rating/stars-5.svg) I am Swedish and this is now my go-to recipe for Swedish meatballs! It’s perfect! Love the onion/bread soak; it really makes it extra juicy, and the nutmeg really brings out the authentic Swedish meatball flavor . [Reply](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/#comment-1925581) 13. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/25eb7c78a03b7e0385801688e0a3a1a1c87449092d83a41b0a2ca7e6fd5e6cf9?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Craig says January 2, 2026 at 1:34 pm ![5 stars](https://www.recipetineats.com/content/plugins/wp-recipe-maker/assets/icons/rating/stars-5.svg) Awesome.recipe! Very rich and full of flavour… and so easy to nake. One of my new favourites. [Reply](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/#comment-1919360) 14. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/14028ee63e9f78d599615eaaa09a75624caa4442ef55840fbe6590c001b04503?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Michael P Ciell says December 24, 2025 at 5:03 am ![5 stars](https://www.recipetineats.com/content/plugins/wp-recipe-maker/assets/icons/rating/stars-5.svg) Excellent, but a ‘dash’ of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of dried Dill & a pinch of sugar takes the gravy ‘over the top’ [Reply](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/#comment-1909793) 15. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/14028ee63e9f78d599615eaaa09a75624caa4442ef55840fbe6590c001b04503?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Michael P Ciell says December 24, 2025 at 5:03 am ![5 stars](https://www.recipetineats.com/content/plugins/wp-recipe-maker/assets/icons/rating/stars-5.svg) Excellent, but a ‘dash’ of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of dried Dill & a pinch of sugar takes the gravy ‘over the top’ [Reply](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/#comment-1909792) 16. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e45a4a4c4d4f08d5ec733ca9142d654f9f4fb6567f87009f0f47e54fe37ded02?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Mike wallenhorst says December 14, 2025 at 11:39 am ![5 stars](https://www.recipetineats.com/content/plugins/wp-recipe-maker/assets/icons/rating/stars-5.svg) Just made a double batch for a family of five to serve over left over mashed potatoes. Great recipe as is. Everyone had seconds. No lingonberry needed! Happy holidays. [Reply](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/#comment-1901294) 17. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3385758100b12b5db030f54e6c19afe5dbec12c862db5806e85d2db4bb4a4db7?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Katrina says December 9, 2025 at 6:12 pm ![5 stars](https://www.recipetineats.com/content/plugins/wp-recipe-maker/assets/icons/rating/stars-5.svg) Absolutely delicious!\! [Reply](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/#comment-1897580) 18. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/dfc8e53a4e99ff40ae234706c7b2951fd38cf932e304d5f5410b74e39ad54d06?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Allie says October 27, 2025 at 11:27 am ![5 stars](https://www.recipetineats.com/content/plugins/wp-recipe-maker/assets/icons/rating/stars-5.svg) Delicious meatballs [Reply](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/#comment-1866411) 19. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9663d0d364aafbb5a2a5f222719703a5db292520bab75f553ab6ce8af356d3ad?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)JV says October 27, 2025 at 9:05 am ![5 stars](https://www.recipetineats.com/content/plugins/wp-recipe-maker/assets/icons/rating/stars-5.svg) Truly one of the most amazing recipes I’ve tried! My family couldn’t get enough—we literally licked our plates clean. I doubled the sauce and served it over egg noodles, and it turned out perfect. Highly recommend\! [Reply](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/#comment-1866337) 20. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e2f80a206a1ba8e2a4d81bd01ae9a4ac520af0c9831ac9322ba08d58e95c4ddf?s=40&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipetineats.com%2Ftachyon%2F2024%2F06%2Favatar-guest-temp-cache-bust-duplicate.png&r=g)Heather says October 16, 2025 at 6:02 pm ![5 stars](https://www.recipetineats.com/content/plugins/wp-recipe-maker/assets/icons/rating/stars-5.svg) I read the comments and decided to go for more ‘zing’. (I’m not complaining–I’ve never had an IKEA meatball– I was just aiming for delicious.) Tripled the allspice and added a tbsp of mustard and a splash of worstershire sauce. Very good, and a definite heat coming through at the end of the mouthful. Might try reducing back to twice the allspice and adding some horseradish cream next time (to get the warmth right through). [Reply](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/#comment-1858090) [Older Comments](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/comment-page-2/#comments) ## Primary Sidebar ![](https://www.recipetineats.com/tachyon/2018/12/nagi.jpg?resize=747%2C747) ### Hi, I'm Nagi\! I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative\! [Read More](https://www.recipetineats.com/nagi-recipetin-eats/) ### Free Recipe eBooks Join my free email list to receive THREE free cookbooks\! ![](https://www.recipetineats.com/tachyon/2018/12/dozer.jpeg) ### Meet Dozer Official taste tester of RecipeTin Eats\! 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Readable Markdown	These heavenly Swedish Meatballs are a homemade version of the iconic Ikea meatballs. They’re a whole lot easier than assembling flat-pack furniture, that’s for sure! Extra-soft and juicy, with a dash of classic spices like allspice, they’re smothered with the bread-mop-worthy sauce. ![Swedish Meatballs on a plate served with creamy mashed potato and a side of steamed broccolini](https://www.recipetineats.com/tachyon/2020/05/Swedish-Meatballs-3.jpg) I’m that person who goes into Ikea just to pick up tea lights, only to emerge 2 hours later with all sorts of useful organisation solutions, looking for a problem to solve. I’m also that person who confidently puts together Ikea furniture (I’m a chartered accountant! I can do this\!), only to worryingly end up with one leftover screw or bracket. Thankfully, none of my Ikea furniture has come tumbling down (yet), so now I have a theory that Ikea throws an extra piece into every flatpack just to mess with us.😂 As for their meatballs? Flatpack shopping is hard work. I can’t blame anyone who needs a pick-me-up after making it out the other end of the Ikea maze. But once you’ve tried homemade Swedish Meatballs, you’ll never order these at the Ikea cafe ever again\! ![Swedish Meatballs in a skillet with creamy gravy, the traditional Swedish sauce](https://www.recipetineats.com/tachyon/2017/01/Swedish-Meatballs_2.jpg) ## What’s so special about Swedish Meatballs? If you’re wondering what’s so special about Swedish Meatballs, or what they taste like, close your eyes and imagine this: incredibly soft meatballs, made extra juicy by using a combination of both pork and beef and soaked bread instead of breadcrumbs, lightly spiced with just a touch of nutmeg and all spice that gives it the signature Swedish flavour, smothered in a creamy gravy that is absolutely to-die-for. These are meatballs unlike any other – and regular readers know I have a very big soft spot for my favourite [Italian Meatballs](https://www.recipetineats.com/classic-italian-meatballs-extra-soft-and-juicy/). But I’d go as far to say that if you aren’t a regular maker of meatballs for whatever reason (pain to roll them, don’t like mixing meat with your hands etc etc), but you have the inclination to make ONE meatball recipe, make it these Swedish Meatballs. You won’t regret it. I promise. ![Spoon drizzling sauce over Swedish Meatballs](https://www.recipetineats.com/tachyon/2017/01/Swedish-Meatballs_6.jpg) ## What goes in Swedish Meatballs Here’s what you need to make the Swedish Meatballs. ![Ingredients in Swedish meatballs](https://www.recipetineats.com/tachyon/2017/01/Ingredients-in-Swedish-Meatballs.jpg) - Beef AND pork – the beef gives it flavour, the pork gives it juiciness and tenderness; - Bread – the secret to extra soft meatballs! Far more effective than breadcrumbs; - Nutmeg and All Spice – the signature spicing, just a small, subtle amount. All Spice is a particular type of spice made from a plant called Pimenta dioica. It smells like cloves. It’s a common spice found in normal supermarkets, and costs no more than usual spices. Best substitute is Mixed Spice. - Beef stock/broth and cream – for the creamy gravy; - Flour – to thicken the gravy; - Egg – for binding the meatballs together. * ## How to make Swedish Meatballs Here’s how to make them: FIRST,** chop up sandwich bread, the soak in grated onion. This is a secret tip for ultra soft, extra tasty meatballs. Grating onion = no need to pan fry chopped onion AND extracts onion juices which soaks the bread, which later puffs up inside the meatballs as they cook, creating ultra soft meatballs\! ![How to make Swedish Meatballs](https://www.recipetineats.com/tachyon/2017/01/How-to-make-Swedish-Meatballs-1.jpg) ## How I roll meatballs And here’s how I roll meatballs. It’s the fastest method I’ve been able to come up with\! 1. Use an ice cream scooper with a lever to scoop up the mixture. Standard size is 3 tablespoons – I use slightly less than the scoop (3 tablespoons is quite large); 2. Scoop and dollop all the mixture; 3. THEN roll them all; 4. Voila! Even size meatballs, rolled relatively quickly\! ![How to make Swedish Meatballs](https://www.recipetineats.com/tachyon/2017/01/How-to-make-Swedish-Meatballs-2.jpg) ## Sauce for Swedish Meatballs The sauce for Swedish Meatballs is a creamy gravy that is made with butter, beef broth/stock, thickened with flour and made creamy with cream. But the most important flavour for the a really good creamy gravy is the pan drippings after searing the meatballs. All the brown stuff left in the pan after browning the meatballs adds incredible flavour into the gravy, which is why baking these meatballs is not an option!!\! ![How to make Swedish Meatballs](https://www.recipetineats.com/tachyon/2017/01/How-to-make-Swedish-Meatballs-3.jpg) ![Close up of Swedish Meatballs in a skillet](https://www.recipetineats.com/tachyon/2017/01/Swedish-Meatballs_3.jpg) ## What to serve with Swedish Meatballs The Swedish Meatball eating experience is incomplete without creamy [Mashed Potato](https://www.recipetineats.com/mashed-potato/). You need the mash so you can savour every last drop of that wickedly delicious creamy gravy. Having said that though, rice, noodles or pasta are adequate fall backs, or some bread for mopping up the sauce (try this easy [Artisan bread](https://www.recipetineats.com/easy-yeast-bread-recipe-no-knead/), or emergency [No Yeast Sandwich Bread](https://www.recipetineats.com/sandwich-bread-without-yeast-quick-easy/)). And if you’re really trying to cut down on carbs, [Creamy Mashed Cauliflower](https://www.recipetineats.com/creamy-mashed-cauliflower/) is your answer\! If you start now, you’ll have these on the table in less than hour. Are you ready for the most sinfully delectable meatballs you’ve ever had in your life?? *– Nagi x* * ## Watch how to make it** This recipe features in my [debut cookbook Dinner](https://www.recipetineats.com/cookbook/). The book is mostly new recipes, but this is a reader favourite included by popular demand\! Subscribe to my [newsletter](https://recipetineats.ck.page/6f68ed0a2d) and follow along on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/RecipeTinEats), [Pinterest](http://www.pinterest.com/recipetin/) and [Instagram](http://instagram.com/recipe_tin) for all of the latest updates. Servings[5](https://www.recipetineats.com/swedish-meatballs/) Tap or hover to scale Recipe video above. Juicy meatballs smothered in a beautiful creamy gravy, with a hint of spicing that Swedish Meatballs are known for. Made extra soft and extra tasty by soaking fresh bread in grated onion – tried and tested technique used in my most of my [meatball recipes](https://www.recipetineats.com/category/collections/meatball-recipes/), highly approved by readers! (See [Italian Meatball reviews](https://www.recipetineats.com/classic-italian-meatballs-extra-soft-and-juicy/) as an example) #### Meatballs - ▢ 2 slices white sandwich bread , crusts removed, chopped into small cubes (Note 1) - ▢ 1 onion , small (brown, white or yellow) - ▢ 300g / 10 oz ground beef (mince) - ▢ 300g / 10 oz ground pork (mince) , or sub with more beef (Note 2) - ▢ 1 egg - ▢ 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg , preferably freshly grated - ▢ 1/4 tsp All Spice powder (Note 3) - ▢ 1/4 tsp black pepper - ▢ 3/4 tsp salt - ▢ 1 tbsp oil #### Gravy - ▢ 40g / 3 tbsp butter , unsalted - ▢ 3 tbsp flour - ▢ 2 cups beef broth/stock (salt reduced), or sub with chicken - ▢ 1/2 cup heavy / thickened cream (Note 4) Cook ModePrevent screen from sleeping - Grate onion using a standard box grater (see video). - Scrape onion and juices into bowl. Add bread and mix well – onion juice should make bread soggy (if not, add a tiny splash of milk). Set aside to soak for 1 minute. - Add remaining Meatball ingredients EXCEPT oil. Mix well. - Using a tablespoon measure and measure out a heaped tablespoon (or use ice cream scooper which is what I do), dollop on work surface. Repeat with remaining mixture: 25 – 30 meatballs. Then roll into shape. #### Cooking - Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add half the meatballs and brown all over (but raw inside still) – about 3 minutes. Remove onto plate, then brown the remaining batch. - If there is lots of oil, pour off excess and discard. Lower heat to medium. #### Gravy - Add butter into skillet and melt. Add flour and stir in. Cook for 1 minute. - While mixing, add about 1/4 of the beef broth – it will thicken quickly. Then gradually add remaining beef broth, stirring as you go. Switch to whisk if required to make it lump free. - When the liquid is simmering, add meatball and juices pooled on plate. - Turn up heat slightly to keep it at a rapid simmer. Cook for 8 – 10 minutes or until the liquid thickens into a thin gravy, stirring occasionally. - Add cream, simmer for a further 2 minutes then remove from stove. - Serve over [mashed potato](https://www.recipetineats.com/mashed-potato/) (or [Cauliflower Mash](https://www.recipetineats.com/creamy-mashed-cauliflower/) for low carb). For a truly authentic experience, add a dollop of ligonberry jam on the side\! 1\. Bread – just plain white sandwich bread. Wholemeal also fine. If you use one with grains or seeds, you’ll end up with the seeds in the meatballs. Make your own [Emergency No Yeast Bread](https://www.recipetineats.com/sandwich-bread-without-yeast-quick-easy/) (this works great with meatballs, I used it last week) and this simple [Artisan Bread](https://www.recipetineats.com/easy-yeast-bread-recipe-no-knead/) also works great\! 2\. Meat – mix of pork and beef is part of the authentic flavour of Swedish Meatballs, and pork makes the meatballs extra soft and juice. But you can use all beef or all pork. You could also make this with chicken or turkey\! 3\. All Spice – smells like cloves, it’s a particular type of spice sold in everyday grocery stores, costs no more than usual spices. Substitute with Mixed Spice, or equal parts nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves. 4\. Cream v Sour Cream – The jury is out on whether it should be made with sour cream or normal cream. Most recipes tend to use cream. If you like the slight tang from sour cream (like with [Stroganoff sauce](https://www.recipetineats.com/beef-stroganoff/)), go ahead\! Yogurt can also be used, as well as reduced fat and pouring cream. The gravy might need an extra minute or two to thicken, and obviously won’t have as rich a mouthfeel (because it’s lower fat). But still a creamy texture to the gravy – it will still look like the photos and video\! 5\. Nutrition for meatballs only, and all gravy. This doesn’t take into account fat discarded from skillet. Serving: 289gCalories: 475cal (24%)Carbohydrates: 11g (4%)Protein: 28g (56%)Fat: 35g (54%)Saturated Fat: 16g (100%)Cholesterol: 163mg (54%)Sodium: 727mg (32%)Potassium: 645mg (18%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 2g (2%)Vitamin A: 597IU (12%)Vitamin C: 2mg (2%)Calcium: 65mg (7%)Iron: 3mg (17%) Keywords: sauce for swedish meatballs, swedish meatballs Originally published January 2017. Post updated 13 May 2020 with improved videos, plus ingredients and step photos added. No change to recipe, it’s perfect as is!!\! * ## Life of Dozer Dozer – I love you, but if you bump that tripod while I’m filming, you will be in a LOT of trouble!\! ![Dozer under tripod](https://www.recipetineats.com/tachyon/2020/05/Dozer-under-tripod.jpg) And from the original publication date:** Trying to negotiate with Dozer using a Swedish Meatball….. ![Dozer Swedish Meatballs\_9](https://www.recipetineats.com/tachyon/2017/01/Dozer-Swedish-Meatballs_9.jpg)
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