Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe

Swedish Meatball Soup is a heartwarming and comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re in need of something cozy and filling. This soup combines tender homemade meatballs with a creamy, savory broth filled with vegetables and egg noodles or diced potatoes. The meatballs, made with a mix of beef and pork, are flavorful and juicy, providing the perfect complement to the rich and aromatic soup base. The addition of Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and onion powder brings depth to the meatballs, while the nutmeg in the soup creates a subtle warmth that enhances the overall flavor. This recipe combines the best elements of Swedish meatballs with the soothing qualities of a soup, making it a delightful meal for both weeknights and special occasions. It’s easy to prepare and makes for a hearty dish that will leave you feeling cozy and satisfied. Whether served as a meal on its own or paired with some crusty bread, Swedish Meatball Soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comforting and Hearty

This soup is the epitome of comfort food, with rich, creamy broth, tender meatballs, and hearty vegetables. It’s perfect for those cold nights when you need something warm to fill you up.

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2. Easy to Make

While homemade meatballs might seem like a lot of work, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. The soup comes together in no time, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner.

3. Versatile Ingredients

You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. For example, you can use diced potatoes instead of egg noodles or opt for different vegetables depending on your preference.

4. Flavorful Meatballs

The homemade meatballs are packed with flavor from Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder, making each bite tender and savory. They pair perfectly with the creamy soup base.

5. Filling and Satisfying

With the combination of meatballs, veggies, and egg noodles or potatoes, this soup is a full meal that will keep you feeling satisfied for hours.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef or pork (or a mix)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Soup:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 cups egg noodles or diced potatoes
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: You can swap the meatballs for plant-based meatballs or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of this soup.
• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute and skip the butter in the soup.
• Noodle Substitution: If you prefer a gluten-free option, use gluten-free noodles or rice instead of egg noodles.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the soup for a bit of heat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or pork), breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking them until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes per batch). Once browned, remove the meatballs and set them aside. They do not need to be fully cooked through at this point since they will continue to cook in the soup.

Step 3: Prepare the Soup Base

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables have softened.

Step 4: Add the Flour and Broth

Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually add the beef broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Meatballs and Noodles

Once the soup is simmering, gently add the meatballs back into the pot along with the egg noodles (or potatoes). Stir to combine and continue to simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the noodles or potatoes are tender.

Step 6: Add the Cream and Seasonings

Stir in the heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overwork the Meatball Mixture: When making the meatballs, mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the meatballs tender and light.
• Simmer the Soup Gently: Allow the soup to simmer gently rather than rapidly boiling to ensure the meatballs stay intact.
• Add More Cream for Richness: For a richer soup, add an extra ¼ cup of heavy cream.

How to Serve

Serve Swedish Meatball Soup in warm bowls, topped with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Pair the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It’s also excellent with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese if you’d like to add more richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a little extra broth or cream if needed to restore its consistency.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, cool the soup completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens after refrigerating or freezing, simply add a splash of broth or cream to reach the desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?

Yes, you can use ground chicken, turkey, or even lamb in place of beef or pork for a different flavor profile.

2. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Frozen vegetables can work well in this soup. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the pot.

3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make the soup in a slow cooker. Brown the meatballs and sauté the vegetables, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

4. Is this soup spicy?

No, this soup is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to give it a kick if desired.

5. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatballs in advance and freeze them. Just cook them through and store them in an airtight container in the freezer. Add them to the soup when ready to cook.

6. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the soup will be slightly less rich.

7. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add peas, green beans, or parsnips for extra flavor and texture.

8. Can I make this soup without the noodles?

Yes, you can omit the noodles and serve the soup with just the meatballs and vegetables. You can also substitute the noodles with rice or potatoes.

9. What should I serve with Swedish Meatball Soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.

10. How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?

The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to be fully cooked. You can also cut one open to check that it’s no longer pink inside.

Conclusion

Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup is a heartwarming and satisfying dish perfect for any time of year. With tender homemade meatballs, a rich and creamy broth, and hearty vegetables, this soup is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and sure to keep you cozy all season long. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this soup is sure to impress and leave everyone coming back for seconds.

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