IKEA-Style Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce

This homemade version uses organic, non-GMO ingredients and avoids seed oils, refined sugars, and additives for a cleaner, more wholesome dish.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb grass-fed ground beef
  • 1/2 cup organic rolled oats, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1/2 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tbsp grass-fed butter
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup organic heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp coconut aminos
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tbsp arrowroot powder (mixed with 2 tbsp cold water)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, for garnish

Clean swaps

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olive oil
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honey
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Reorder the shelf-stable staples for this recipe.

What you'll need

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, chopped oats, egg, parsley, onion, garlic, allspice, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using (the egg binds the meatballs; allspice and nutmeg are the defining Swedish spices).
  2. Form the mixture into about 24 meatballs and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F.
  3. While the meatballs bake, melt the butter with the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat and let it lightly brown for about 1 minute.
  4. Whisk in the beef broth, heavy cream, coconut aminos, and honey. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Stir the arrowroot slurry into the simmering sauce and cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens to coat the back of a spoon.
  6. Gently fold the baked meatballs into the cream gravy and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  7. Taste and adjust salt or honey, garnish with fresh dill, and serve hot over mashed potatoes or a bed of spinach (lingonberry jam on the side if you have it).

FAQ

Is this IKEA-Style Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce gluten-free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free since there are no wheat-based ingredients used.

Can I make this ahead?

Certainly! Prepare the meatballs and sauce separately, refrigerate overnight, and reheat before serving.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze in portions for longer storage.

What can I substitute for honey if I'm allergic?

You can use maple syrup or date syrup as a substitution for honey.

Why is this healthier than the restaurant version?

It uses organic, non-GMO ingredients and avoids seed oils, refined sugars, and artificial additives for a cleaner, more wholesome approach.

Can I use butter instead of olive oil in the sauce?

Yes, certainly! Use 2 tbsp of unsalted butter as a direct substitute in the dill and cream mixture.

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