Meatballs and mashed potatoes make a classic dinner that’s delicious and easy to prepare. This easy recipe combines juicy, flavorful meatballs in gravy with creamy buttery mashed potatoes to make an irresistible meal.
Inspired by the popular IKEA food court, these homemade meatballs bring that delicious taste home.
Swedish meatballs and mashed potatoes
There’s something about the combination of meatballs and mashed potatoes that just screams comfort food.
Perfect for weeknights, weekends, and even special occasions, this Swedish-inspired recipe is a delicious, no-fuss way to enjoy a delightful homemade dinner with your family.
You might also like our mashed potatoes for two and loaded baked potatoes with bacon and cheese!
Our Recipe Highlights
This recipe is simple to follow, and the result is a comforting meal with minimal prep work.
These homemade Ikea meatballs turn out tender and full of flavor every time.
It’s a dinner everyone loves, whether they’re familiar with Swedish food or not.
Both the meatballs and mashed potatoes taste just as good the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
For meatballs and gravy
- ½ cup panko
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, grated
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cup beef broth
- ½ cup cream
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
For Mashed potatoes
- Potatoes
- Milk
- Butter
* Need to print out this recipe? You’ll find a printable recipe card at the end of this post. Enjoy!
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Mixing bowls
Sauce pan
Small cookie scoop (for making meatballs)
How to make meatballs and potatoes
Make the meatballs: Combine ground beef, pork, egg, panko, milk, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, half of the nutmeg and garlic. Shape into 1- to 1 ½-inch meatballs.
Brown the meatballs in oil for about 7 minutes, turning to brown all sides. Transfer to a plate.
Make the gravy: Wipe the pan, melt butter, add flour, then stir in beef broth, cream, and the rest of the nutmeg. Bring to a boil.
Return meatballs to sauce and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes till it's cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Make the mashed potatoes: Wash, peel and dice the potatoes. Boil till fork tender. Then add butter, milk, salt and pepper. Mash till smooth.
Serve the meatballs and gravy over the mashed potatoes.
What to serve with meatballs and potatoes
Lingonberry Jam: This sweet and slightly tart jam is a classic pairing with Swedish meatballs. It adds a unique flavor contrast that complements the savory taste of the meatballs sold in the IKEA food court.
Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed veggies like broccoli, green beans, or carrots add color and freshness to the plate, balancing the rich flavors of the meatballs and mashed potatoes.
Roasted veggies such as Brussels sprouts
Creamed Spinach: This creamy side dish pairs beautifully, adding more comfort to the plate while keeping it balanced with some greens.
Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing option to offset the richness of the main dish.
How to store
After making a batch of meatballs and mashed potatoes, you might find yourself with some delicious leftovers. Here’s how to keep them tasting great:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For the meatballs, reheat on the stovetop or microwave until hot, adding a little water or broth to prevent dryness. Reheat mashed potatoes in the microwave as well till warmed through.
Helpful Tips
- Do not over mix the meatballs. Over mixing the meatball ingredients can make them tough, so stir just until combined.
- Adding some nutmeg to the gravy is optional. You can add all the nutmeg to the meatballs if you prefer, it will still taste amazing.
- Salting the water when cooking the potatoes help ensure flavorful mashed potatoes.
- Using a meat thermometer helps avoid overcooking and ensures juicy meatballs. It should be (165°F)
- Adding warmed milk to the mashed potatoes makes them extra creamy without overworking them.
FAQs
Yes, frozen meatballs work well if you’re short on time. Thaw them in the microwave, then make some homemade gravy and ensure they are heated through in the sauce before serving.
To get a smooth texture, use a potato masher or ricer. Adding warm milk and butter while mashing also helps.
Absolutely! Prepare the meatballs and mashed potatoes a day in advance and reheat before serving.
More dinner recipes to try
Why wait in line at the IKEA food court when you can make a homemade version and serve it over some fluffy mashed potatoes?
With this easy, beginner-friendly recipe, you’ll get all the delicious vibes of homemade comfort food in your own kitchen. Ready to give it a try? Grab your ingredients and let's get started.
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Meatballs and mashed potatoes
Ingredients
For meatballs
- ½ cup panko
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion (grated)
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork
- 1 tablespoon oil
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (divided, see note 1)
For the gravy
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ cup beef broth
- ½ cup cream
For mashed potatoes
- 3 lbs russet potatoes
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup butter
Instructions
Prepare the meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, egg, panko, milk, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, half of the nutmeg (⅛ teaspoon) and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Shape the Meatballs: Wet your hands to prevent sticking, scoop out the meat with a 1.5 inch cookie scoop on to your hand, then roll in between your hands to form meatballs.
- Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 7 minutes, turning them carefully with a spatula to brown all sides. Transfer the meatballs to a plate.
Make the gravy:
- Wipe the frying pan clean and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir quickly to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring to break up any lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the cream and remaining nutmeg. Stir well and bring the sauce back to a gentle boil.
- Return the meatballs to the pan with the sauce and let it simmer for 10 to 15 mins or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thickened to your liking.
Mashed Potatoes
- Peel and chop potatoes into even chunks. Place in a pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy, adding more milk if needed for the desired texture.
Serve
- Serve the meatballs with the sauce over a portion of mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh chopped herbs if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Adding some nutmeg to the gravy is optional. You can add all the nutmeg to the meatballs if you prefer, it will still taste amazing.
