If you are craving something comforting, hearty, and utterly soul-warming, you have to try this Delicious Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe. It’s like a hug in a bowl, blending tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs with creamy broth and wholesome veggies, making every spoonful an irresistible delight. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want a satisfying meal that feels like a special treat, this recipe delivers warm flavors and cozy textures that linger satisfyingly on your palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, everyday ingredients come together beautifully in this Delicious Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe. Each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, richness, and texture that makes this soup so comforting and memorable.
- 500g ground beef (or mixed beef and pork): The star of the show that forms the juicy meatballs with great flavor.
- 1 cup bread crumbs: Helps bind the meatballs together while keeping them tender and light.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to both the meatballs and the broth.
- 1 large egg: Binds the meatball mixture to hold the perfect shape while cooking.
- 250ml heavy cream: Creates the velvety, luxurious texture that makes this soup uniquely Swedish.
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth: The flavorful base that ties all the ingredients together in a warm, nourishing bowl.
- 2 medium carrots, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and a touch of color for visual appeal.
- 2 medium potatoes, diced: Provides hearty texture and helps make this soup filling enough for any meal.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Brings a fresh, herbaceous brightness to finish the soup perfectly.
How to Make Delicious Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by finely chopping your onion, carrots, and parsley so everything is ready to go. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, bread crumbs, chopped onion, and egg. Mix everything well with your hands or a spoon until evenly combined, then form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs. This hands-on step is key to achieving tender, well-shaped meatballs that cook evenly in the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat some oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced carrots and potatoes and sauté them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they start to soften and develop a slight color. This step unlocks their natural sweetness and ensures a tender bite once the soup is complete. Next, pour in the broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This forms the flavorful base in which your meatballs will later cook.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
While your vegetables simmer, heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Carefully brown the meatballs on all sides, being gentle so they keep their shape. Browning these meatballs separately adds a wonderful caramelized flavor and appealing texture that really elevates the soup. Don’t worry if they aren’t fully cooked yet; they’ll finish cooking in the simmering broth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Once your meatballs are nicely browned, gently add them to the pot with the simmering vegetables and broth. Stir carefully to combine without breaking the balls apart. Allow the soup to continue simmering for about 15 minutes so the meatballs cook fully and the flavors meld beautifully together. This simmering step is essential to infuse every bite with comforting, cohesive goodness.
Step 5: Add Cream and Serve
Finally, stir in the heavy cream to the soup, but be sure to keep the heat low so it warms through without boiling. This makes the broth incredibly luscious and smooth, giving the soup its signature creamy texture. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh parsley to add a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the magic of this Delicious Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe.
How to Serve Delicious Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is classic and adds just the right touch of herbal brightness to this creamy soup. You can also add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper or a few sprigs of dill for extra aroma and color to enhance the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls that are perfect for soaking up the creamy broth. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness and makes for a well-rounded meal. If you want to keep things cozy, garlic bread is a delightful indulgence alongside this soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the soup in individual crock pots or rustic bowls to keep it warm longer. You can also top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for a touch of extra creaminess and tang. Adding a small swirl of fresh herb oil or drizzle of browned butter makes the presentation feel special and restaurant-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Delicious Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day. Just stir gently before reheating to recombine the ingredients evenly.
Freezing
This soup freezes well if you want to save some for later. Freeze it in individual portions without the cream added, as dairy can sometimes separate when frozen. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge, reheat gently, and then stir in fresh heavy cream before serving.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat to avoid boiling, which can break the cream’s smooth texture. Stir frequently to heat it evenly and revive the soup’s warm, velvety consistency. Add a splash of broth or cream, if needed, to adjust the texture.
FAQs
Can I use pork or turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground pork adds a richer flavor and juiciness, while turkey offers a leaner option. Mixing beef and pork is also traditional and creates great texture and taste in meatballs.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
While this recipe centers on meatballs, you can swap in plant-based meat alternatives or make vegetable balls using mashed chickpeas, mushrooms, and oats for a vegetarian twist. Use vegetable broth to keep all the flavors hearty yet meat-free.
What’s the best way to form meatballs so they don’t fall apart?
Use chilled hands and be gentle when shaping the meatballs. The bread crumbs and egg act as binders, so make sure they’re evenly mixed. Slightly smaller meatballs hold together better and cook more evenly in the soup.
Can I make the soup spicier?
Yes! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground white pepper to the meatball mixture introduces warm spice notes. You can also add a little cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the broth for a subtle kick without overpowering the traditional flavors.
How do I get the cream to not curdle in the soup?
Stir in the heavy cream towards the very end of cooking on low heat, and avoid bringing the soup to a boil once the cream is added. This gentle heating keeps the cream silky and prevents it from separating.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe is hands down one of those dishes that feels like home in every spoonful. Its comforting flavors, creamy texture, and satisfying ingredients make it a fantastic meal to share with family or enjoy on your own when you’re craving something truly special. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is and how happily it fills your kitchen and your heart with warmth.
Print
Delicious Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
Description
This Delicious Swedish Meatball Soup is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender homemade meatballs simmered in a creamy broth with sautéed vegetables. Perfect for a cozy meal, it combines classic Swedish flavors with simple, wholesome ingredients for a satisfying soup that serves six.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 500g ground beef or mixed beef and pork
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Soup
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive)
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 250ml heavy cream
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onion, carrots, and parsley finely. In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, bread crumbs, chopped onion, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until just combined and form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced carrots and potatoes, sautéing for 5 to 7 minutes until they begin to soften but not brown. Pour in the chicken or beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Brown the Meatballs: Meanwhile, heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a nice golden crust. This seals in flavor and improves texture.
- Combine Everything: Transfer the browned meatballs into the pot with the simmering vegetables and broth. Stir gently to combine, then cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes to cook the meatballs through and meld the flavors.
- Add Cream & Serve: Stir in the heavy cream carefully, making sure the soup does not come to a boil to prevent curdling. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Notes
- Use a mix of beef and pork for juicier meatballs if preferred.
- Adjust the seasoning of meatballs and soup with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Do not boil after adding cream to avoid curdling.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- The soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
