Copycat Ikea Swedish Meatballs

I'm not a huge fan of Ikea furniture because it's just not my style...too minimalist for me! But I am a huge fan of their meatballs! Ikea not only sells furniture but they also have an amazing restaurant in their stores where they serve these meatballs! Check it out *here*


I'm not sure what meatballs and furniture have in common, except that you sit on it while you eat, but these Swedish meatballs are as famous as their Swedish furniture! Ask any true Ikea fan and they'll probably tell you all about these meatballs!

I loved the flavor of these meatballs because of the hint of allspice...very different from my Classic Italian Meatballs recipe. The Worcestershire sauce gives it a deep richness. And I love the creamy hearty gravy...perfect with potatoes or egg noodles! I've been told that these meatballs are yummy when served with lingonberry jam for dipping.

So if you can't get to an Ikea furniture store, give these Swedish meatballs a try in your own home!

Copycat Ikea Swedish Meatballs
makes about 30 small meatballs

MEATBALL INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup minced onions
3 cloves of garlic, crushed
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper (you can sub black)
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup breadcrumbs
3/4 pound lean ground beef
1/2 pound lean ground pork
1 large egg, beaten
Optional - lingonberry jam - for dipping 

GRAVY INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup heavy cream
kosher salt freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, to garnish.

DIRECTIONS FOR MEATBALLS:
 Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium high heat.
Add the onions, garlic, allspice, kosher salt and white pepper.
Stir and cook until the onions are tender, about 5 minutes.
Add the milk and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and bring to a simmer.
 Remove from the heat and add the breadcrumbs. Let cool.
When cool, add the beef, pork and beaten egg. Mix until well combined.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch balls and place, evenly spaced, on the baking sheet.
Bake for 20 minutes.
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the gravy...

DIRECTIONS FOR GRAVY: 
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
 Add the flour and cook, whisking until smooth.
Whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat to medium low.
Add the cream and cook until thickened.
 Season with salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
Add in cooked meatballs.
Serve over mashed potatoes, plain boiled potatoes or egg noodles.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Optional - serve with lingonberry jam for dipping.