Name: Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe – Creamy & Comforting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-483873H36M25S
Total time: PT-483873H36M25S
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or pork (or a mix); ½ cup (60 g) breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; ¼ cup (60 ml) milk; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 tablespoons (24 g) all-purpose flour; 4 cups (960 ml) beef broth; 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups (200 g) egg noodles or diced potatoes; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty dish perfect for chilly days, this Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup is just what you need. With tender, flavorful meatballs swimming in a creamy, savory broth filled with vegetables and egg noodles, this soup brings all the comfort of traditional Swedish meatballs in a bowl. It’s a dish that not only fills your belly but also warms your heart.

This Swedish Meatball Soup combines the best of both worlds: the delicious, savory meatballs you’re familiar with, and the creamy broth that’s so comforting. With a dash of nutmeg and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, every spoonful of this soup offers a little bit of warmth and a lot of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comforting & Hearty

This soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy broth, savory meatballs, and hearty vegetables.

2. Quick & Easy to Make

Though it might sound fancy, this recipe is simple to prepare. The meatballs come together quickly, and the soup simmers in just about 30 minutes.

3. Rich & Flavorful

The creamy broth, combined with the nutmeg and Worcestershire sauce in the meatballs, creates an incredibly rich flavor profile.

4. Perfect for Any Season

While ideal for cozy winter nights, this Swedish Meatball Soup is delicious enough to enjoy year-round.

5. Customizable

You can swap out the egg noodles for diced potatoes or even add in other veggies like peas or green beans for extra flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

Ground beef or pork (or a mix)
Breadcrumbs
Egg
Milk
Worcestershire sauce
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Salt
Black pepper

For the Soup:

Butter
Medium onion, diced
Carrots, peeled and diced
Celery stalks, diced
All-purpose flour
Beef broth
Heavy cream
Nutmeg
Salt
Black pepper
Egg noodles or diced potatoes
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Variations

Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian-friendly version, you can substitute the meatballs with plant-based meat alternatives, such as lentil or mushroom-based “meatballs.”
Low-Carb Option: Swap out the egg noodles for spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version of this soup.
Spicy Version: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the meatball mix or the broth to spice things up.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef or pork, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, add the remaining butter. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until softened.

Step 4: Create the Soup Base

Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Slowly add the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5: Add the Meatballs and Noodles

Return the browned meatballs to the pot along with the egg noodles or diced potatoes. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles or potatoes are cooked through and the meatballs are cooked all the way through.

Step 6: Stir in the Cream

Once the noodles or potatoes are tender, stir in the heavy cream. Adjust seasoning if necessary, then let it simmer for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture: When mixing the meatball ingredients, be careful not to overmix. This can lead to dense meatballs. Mix just until everything is combined.
Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling the soup once the meatballs are added, as this can cause them to break apart. Keep the heat low and let the soup simmer gently.
Make the Meatballs in Advance: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This saves time when you’re ready to make the soup.

How to Serve

Serve this cozy soup with a warm piece of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. You could also pair it with a nice dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool to room temperature before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Freezing

This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stove until warm.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream from curdling. Add a little more broth if the soup has thickened too much after freezing.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken for the meatballs?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef or pork.

2. Can I make the soup without heavy cream?

If you’d like a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.

3. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen carrots and celery will work fine in this recipe. Just make sure they are thawed before adding to the soup.

4. Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with other pasta, rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

5. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together.

6. How can I make the meatballs more flavorful?

You can add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.

7. Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, vegetable broth is a great substitute for beef broth if you want a vegetarian or lighter version of this soup.

8. Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs to save time. Just add them directly into the soup and let them cook through.

9. Can I substitute egg noodles with potatoes?

Yes, you can use diced potatoes instead of egg noodles. They’ll absorb the flavors of the soup and add a hearty texture.

10. Can I make this soup spicy?

Yes, if you like spice, you can add some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup for a kick.

Conclusion

Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup is a delightful, comforting dish that brings together juicy, flavorful meatballs and a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for cold weather or any time you need a bowl of warmth and satisfaction, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s easy to make, versatile, and packed with cozy flavors that everyone will enjoy. Enjoy a bowlful of comfort today!