Making IKEA Swedish Meatballs at Home | But Better

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

ground beef

💰Cheaper: ground turkey

Ground turkey is often less expensive and lower in fat.

potatoes

🥗Healthier: sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes provide more nutrients and fiber.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

Olive oil is a healthier fat option.

In a medium-sized sauce pot, add 12 ounces of lingonberries or cranberries, 1 and 1/4 cup of granulated white sugar, 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1/2 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 3 strips of orange zest. Stir and set to medium-high heat until boiling, then reduce to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring and mashing occasionally until thickened.

Remove the orange zest and blend the mixture until smooth, then pass through a fine mesh strainer and cool to room temperature.

Peel and cut 3 large russet potatoes into chunks, place in a pot, cover with water, and boil until fork tender. Press through a potato ricer.

In a small saucepan, heat 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 cup of whole milk over medium heat until hot. Pour 3/4 of the mixture over the riced potatoes, stir, and season with salt and pepper. Add more liquid if needed and keep warm.

Break broccoli into florets and coat a medium-sized pan with oil. Heat over medium-high, add broccoli cut sides down, season with salt, and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized. Finish with fresh lemon juice and additional salt if needed.

In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef and 3/4 pound of ground pork. Mix until tacky, then add 1 finely diced sweet onion, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 2 teaspoons of ground white pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of fresh grated nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice, and 1/2 cup of panko bread crumbs. Mix until combined, then add 1 whole egg and 1/4 cup of whole milk. Mix thoroughly.

Form the mixture into 24 meatballs and place on a foil-lined baking sheet sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until browned and cooked through to 165°F internal temperature.

In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until darker. Gradually add 2 cups of hot beef broth and 2 tablespoons of double fermented soy sauce, bringing to a light simmer and reducing for 5 minutes until thickened. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream and simmer for 2 more minutes, optionally adding 1 teaspoon of dijon mustard.

To assemble, place a mound of mashed potatoes on a plate, add meatballs, and drizzle with gravy.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens