Norwegian Meatballs: Better than IKEA (and Easier to Assemble) - Laniers Meats (2024)

Original Recipe

Recipe Source: Saints Preserved Emmanuel Episcopal Church Parish Cookbook, copyright 1980.

Based on my research, this recipe is closer to the Swedish than the Norwegian tradition. There is no guarantee to the authenticity of this recipe, but that shouldn’t stop us from enjoying it.

The Recipe:

Grind together real fine, 1 lb. beef, 1 lb. veal, and 1 lb. pork. Add 2 medium potatoes, 1 onion finely ground, and 1 egg beaten with ⅓ to ½ cup milk for a soft mixture. Salt and pepper to taste and add ½ t. each: nutmeg, ginger, and whole cloves crushed. Make into several balls and fry in butter/margarine. Transfer to a larger kettle containing 4 cups sour cream mixed with 3-4 cups consomme. Add 2 generous pieces of dill seed and simmer until meatballs absorb all the flavor. This freezes well. If it seems dry when reheating, add more sour cream or consomme. I often double the recipe.

How I Cooked It

The meatballs are incredibly tender due to the combination of beef, pork, and veal. Most grocery stores don’t carry specialty items like ground veal, but Lanier’s always has it in stock (shameless plug).

The meatballs are mixed with diced potatoes and ground onions and seasoned with the traditional ginger and nutmeg. It also has whole cloves, which gives the meatballs a nice warm essence that highlights the veal.

The recipe contributor stated that she often doubles the recipes. The recipe already calls for 3 lbs. of meat, which filled my dutch oven with pretty good sized meatballs. I’m not sure how I would cook double the amount!

Even though I made a few changes, this was a great recipe. The meatballs are soft and moist with great flavor. You can eat this over rice, egg noodles, or cut out the carbs and eat the meatballs by themselves. They are delicious.

Norwegian Meatballs: Better than IKEA (and Easier to Assemble) - Laniers Meats (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Norwegian meatballs and Swedish meatballs? ›

Norwegian recipes are made with all beef, while some Swedish recipes also use pork. Norwegian meatballs tend to be larger and flatter than their Swedish cousins.

What are Norwegian meatballs made of? ›

It's a dish that's best made at home with lots of love! So what makes a kjøttkake? In Norway, they are traditionally made from minced cattle, pork, lamb, or game meat, and shaped into thick, flat patties and fried.

What makes Swedish meatballs different from regular meatballs? ›

While both varieties include ingredients such as grated onion and panade (milk-soaked bread) or bread crumbs, plus the usual salt and pepper, Swedish meatballs traditionally use spices like allspice, nutmeg, white pepper, and sometimes ground ginger as flavoring.

What are Ikea meatballs made of? ›

Steps for the meatballs

Combine beef and pork mince until all lumps are smoothed. Add finely chopped onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg and mix. Then add milk and salt and pepper to taste. Grab small handfuls and roll into a ball shape.

Why are Ikea Swedish meatballs so good? ›

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 ...

How do Swedes eat Swedish meatballs? ›

Traditional Swedish way: Do not make the cream sauce at all. Serve meatballs over plain or stewed macaroni, plain or mashed potatoes, and lingenberry jam (optional)

Do Swedish meatballs have horse meat? ›

LONDON — The furniture giant Ikea joined a growing list of brands that have been touched by Europe's food scandal on Monday and withdrew its signature Swedish meatballs from its markets and cafeterias across most of Europe after one batch was found to contain traces of horse meat.

Are Swedish meatballs precooked? ›

Instructions: Heating InstructionsThese meatballs are precooked. Appliances vary, please adjust cooking times to suit your own individual appliance. Ensure the product is piping hot before serving.

What are real Swedish meatballs made of? ›

The meatballs themselves are made with a combination of ground beef and pork, along with a touch of allspice and nutmeg. Onions and garlic add flavor and texture, and milk, egg, and breadcrumbs act as a binder. Finally, Parmesan cheese is a little “Cozy” touch that adds a subtle pop of flavor.

Why are my Swedish meatballs falling apart? ›

ANSWER: Usually when meatballs fall apart, it's the binder that is the problem. Most meatball recipes call for using bread crumbs and eggs. But too much bread crumbs make them too loose, and not enough bread crumbs won't help them hold together either.

What do you put in meatballs so they don't fall apart? ›

Add a lightly beaten egg, but not too much. Egg acts as a binder for the ingredients, but you only need a small amount. One small egg will do for one pound of minced meat. Alternatively, if you're following an egg-free diet, you could soak fresh bread in milk, squeezing out any excess milk, to use as a binder.

Can you eat Swedish meatballs cold? ›

Made in Sweden to a traditional recipe combination of pork and beef, they are truly versatile and can be eaten cold, straight out of the pack as a snack, or heated up as a main meal.

Why are IKEA meatballs so cheap? ›

Like many other things in business, selling inexpensive meatballs is a strategy for the company to turn more profit. To sell their products, they need to get people in the door. To do that, they entice people with cheap meatballs.

Are IKEA plant based meatballs healthy? ›

Nutritionally, they're pretty good. It's 220 calories per serving, 14 grams of fat, 13 grams of carbs, 3 grams of fibre, 2 grams of sugar, 9 grams of protein, and 350 grams of sodium. Not exactly health rock stars, but also totally fine as part of a balanced meal.

Which IKEA meatballs are best? ›

Top Choice: Chicken Balls

In terms of the robust savoriness, juiciness, and addictive texture, these meatballs are simply the best. Interestingly enough, they are gluten-free and made with chicken, potato, onion, and seasoning — that's it! The Ikea rep even admitted they were her top choice too (over the original!).

What is the difference between Swedish and Norwegian food? ›

For example, Norwegian cuisine is more seafood-centric, while Swedish cuisine has a greater variety of meat dishes. In addition, Norwegian cuisine puts more emphasis on traditional cooking methods such as smoking and pickling, while Swedish cuisine is known for its fried dishes and use of sauces.

What is the sauce for Swedish meatballs made from? ›

Onions and garlic add flavor and texture, and milk, egg, and breadcrumbs act as a binder. Finally, Parmesan cheese is a little “Cozy” touch that adds a subtle pop of flavor. The sauce itself is an amazing combination of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon, and sour cream.

What's the difference between Swedish meatballs and Danish meatballs? ›

The Danish meatball is a little rugged in texture and can be served in multiple ways – with a lightly spiced curry sauce, for example, or a rich gravy. A Swedish meatball, in comparison to the crispy, pan-fried Danish version, is often a little smaller, with a very smooth, even texture and a rounder shape.

What's the difference between Swedish and Finnish meatballs? ›

"Finnish meatballs are meatier and bigger than Swedish meatballs. They are also served with lingonberry jam and boiled/mashed potatoes, and a gravy, but they are juicier and yummier.

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