Swedish Meatballs

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This easy Instant Pot version of Ikea’s Swedish Meatballs makes juicy and tender beef meatballs in a rich and creamy gravy sauce. 

A fork with two Swedish Meatballs in the foreground and a bowl of mashed potatoes topped with Swedish Meatballs in the background.

Why you’ll love this recipe

If you’ve ever tried the meatballs from Ikea, you’re going to love how easy it is to make them at home with your Instant Pot. This dump-and-go recipe starts with frozen meatballs and has a rich, decadent sauce.

When Ikea released their famous Swedish meatball recipe, we immediately knew we had to adapt it for the pressure cooker / Instant Pot.

This version has everything you love about the store version, including the rich meatball gravy sauce, but it cooks in a fraction of the time. 

What to Serve with Swedish Meatballs?

We love to serve these Swedish meatballs and gravy over fluffy mashed potatoes. However, you’ll have great results with anything that will soak up all the delicious sauce, including cooked egg noodles or rice.

At Ikea, they also serve it with a side of steamed veggies and Lingonberry preserves.

Ingredients for making Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs, including, frozen meatballs, beef broth, mustard, pepper, flour, butter, and parsley.

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED

This is a simple dump-and-go recipe that starts with frozen meatballs. Other favorite dump-and-start Instant Pot recipes include easy sloppy joes and pulled pork sandwiches.

Here’s what you need to make this delicious Swedish meatball recipe:

  • Beef broth. You can make your own broth or use low-sodium store-bought broth. 
  • Butter. We recommend using unsalted butter. 
  • Parsley. If you don’t have fresh parsley, use a teaspoon of dried parsley. 
  • Frozen Swedish-style meatballs. Look for meatballs that are about a half-inch in diameter. If you’re lucky enough to have an Ikea near you, they sell them in the frozen foods section.
  • Worcestershire sauce. Soy sauce will also work. 
  • Flour. Thicken up the sauce with a bit of all-purpose. 
  • Heavy cream. For the best flavor, use full-fat cream!
  • Dijon mustard. This adds a bright kick to the end of your dish. 

How to Make Swedish Meatballs in an Instant Pot

This easy recipe will work in any brand of electric pressure cooker, including the Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, or Power Pressure Cooker XL.

Start by combining the beef broth, butter, parsley, and pepper in the pressure cooking pot. Then lower a steamer basket into the pot. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the steamer basket.

Lock on the lid and cook at High Pressure for 4 minutes. When the timer beeps, use a quick pressure release, then remove the lid. 

Use tongs to remove the steamer basket from the cooking pot.

Cream gravy prepared in an Instant Pot for Swedish Meatballs.

Using a tall liquid measuring cup, combine the remaining beef broth, soy sauce or Worcestershire, and flour. Use a whisk until the mixture is smooth. Then slowly pour the flour mixture into the pressure cooking pot, whisking the entire time to avoid lumps. 

Next, turn on Sauté and cook the sauce, stirring often, until it comes to a boil. Simmer for about three minutes, being sure to stir the entire time to avoid burning. Finally, turn off the pressure cooker and slowly stir in the heavy cream.

An overhead picture of Swedish Meatballs and gravy cooked inside an Instant Pot.

Return the cooked meatballs to the pressure cooker pot and stir to coat them in your sauce. Now you’re ready to serve the Swedish meatballs over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or on their own!

An overhead picture of Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs and gravy in a serving bowl, and mashed potatoes in the background.

Important Tips for Making Swedish Meatballs

It’s very important to stir the mixture well after you add the flour. Otherwise, the flour may settle to the bottom of the pot and can burn easily. 

You’ll also want to be sure to bring the mixture to a full boil for three minutes after you add the flour. Otherwise, the flour may not be fully cooked and your sauce won’t be as thick and creamy as you like. 

Be sure to choose smaller Swedish meatballs so they cook within the short four-minute cook time. 

A fork with two Swedish Meatballs in the foreground and a bowl of mashed potatoes topped with Swedish Meatballs in the background.

Frequently Asked Questions about Swedish Meatballs 

Can I substitute spices in this Swedish meatball recipe?

This is a very simple version of Swedish Meatballs, based on Ikea’s recipe. There are SO many versions—many traditional from-scratch versions include allspice and nutmeg.

If you love those in your Swedish meatballs, feel free to add them here! Just make sure to adjust your ratios to match the ratios of other spices in this recipe.

Should I use soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce?

We went with soy sauce for this recipe because that’s what Ikea’s recipe called for. If you love Worcestershire sauce, then I’d recommend making the swap. Otherwise, I’d use soy sauce.

How should I store leftover meatballs?

Store cooled leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can reheat them on the stove, microwave, or in the Instant Pot.

Can I freeze Swedish meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to six months in an airtight, freezer-safe container. 

Do I need Lingonberry preserves?

Definitely not! Think of it the way some people like cranberry jelly with their turkey gravy. It’s a pleasant contrasting taste, but definitely not necessary to enjoy it.

If you want Ikea brand, you’ll need to visit the store in person because they don’t sell food online. Our local grocery store carries a different brand in a small jar, which is what we usually buy.

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with Swedish Meatballs in a white bowl, placed in front of an Instant Pot.

More Instant Pot Meatball Recipes

Recipes you can make with this or other recipes you might like:


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Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs and gravy in a serving bowl, and mashed potatoes in the background.

Easy Swedish Meatballs

Servings: 4 -6 servings
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Additional Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Beef
Cuisine: American
This delicious Swedish meatball recipe starts with frozen meatballs and is adapted for the Instant Pot from Ikea’s famous recipe, complete with a rich beef gravy.
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Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups beef broth divided
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 bag 26 oz frozen Swedish meatballs (½-inch diameter)
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce*
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Cooked mashed potatoes or egg noodles for serving

Instructions

  • Add 1 cup beef broth, butter, 1 tablespoon parsley, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and butter to the pressure cooking pot. Place a steamer basket in the bottom and distribute the frozen meatballs evenly. 
  • Lock the lid in place. Select High Pressure and set the cook time for 4 minutes.* 
  • When the cook time ends, use a quick pressure release. When the valve drops, carefully remove the lid. Remove the steamer basket and meatballs from the cooking pot. Set aside.
  • In a tall liquid measuring glass, combine the remaining 3/4 cup beef broth, soy sauce, and flour, and whisk until smooth. Stirring constantly, slowly pour the flour mixture into the cooking pot. 
  • Select Sauté and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture boils. Continue cooking for 3 minutes, stirring well to prevent the flour from settling and make sure sauce is thickened and smooth. 
  • Turn off the Sauté function. Slowly add the heavy cream and mustard, stirring constantly. Return the cooked meatballs to the pot and stir to combine. 
  • Serve over prepared mashed potatoes or egg noodles, garnished with chopped parsley, salt, and pepper, as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 688mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g

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originally published February 11, 2023 — last updated June 1, 2024
Categories: Beef