Name: Warm Swedish Meatball Soup with Creamy Broth
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef or mixture of beef and pork; 1/2 cup bread crumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 egg; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 cups beef or vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; Fresh parsley for garnish

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Warm Swedish Meatball Soup with Creamy Broth 🥣🇸🇪✨

1. Introduction

Discover the comforting charm of Swedish meatball soup, a hearty and cozy dinner option perfect for chilly evenings. This meatball soup features tender meatballs nestled in a rich, creamy broth infused with subtle spices and fresh herbs. Combining the beloved flavors of traditional Swedish cuisine with the warmth of a homemade soup, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying dish that’s great for family dinners or meal prep. If you love creamy soup recipes, you’ll enjoy how this dish balances savory meatballs with a silky broth. Ready to bring Nordic comfort to your kitchen? Let’s get started!

2. Ingredients for Swedish Meatball Soup

1 pound ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon allspice or nutmeg (optional but recommended)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
4 cups beef or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh dill and extra parsley for garnish

3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Swedish Meatball Soup

Prepare the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, bread crumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, and allspice or nutmeg if using. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Shape into small, golf-ball-sized meatballs and set aside.

Sear the Meatballs

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a touch of oil and cook the meatballs until they are golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage, as they will simmer in the broth later. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Start the Soup Base

In a large pot, heat the beef or vegetable broth. Add diced carrots, celery, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.

Cook the Meatballs in Broth

Gently add the seared meatballs into the simmering broth. Continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and flavors to meld.

Make the Creamy Broth

Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half into the soup. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the broth becomes rich and creamy, but avoid boiling to preserve the cream’s texture.

Finish and Garnish

Remove the bay leaf. Garnish the soup with freshly chopped dill and parsley. Serve hot, accompanied by crusty bread or rye toast for a true Scandinavian experience.

4. Storage Tips for Leftover Swedish Meatball Soup

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simmer gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving for best flavor.

5. Serving Suggestions and Variations

This cozy dinner pairs beautifully with crusty bread, rye bread, or even buttered boiled potatoes for added substance. Customize the soup by adding fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens. For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer. Feel free to spice things up with a dash of smoked paprika or Adobo seasoning for depth.

6. Frequently Asked Questions about Swedish Meatball Soup

**Can I make this meatball soup recipe gluten-free?**

Yes, substitute bread crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free bread crumbs to make it gluten-free without sacrificing texture.

What are good substitutions for heavy cream?

You can use coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer for a vegan or dairy-free version that still offers a creamy broth.

How long does it take to prepare and cook?

The entire process takes approximately 45-50 minutes, including meatball preparation, browning, and simmering.

Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?

Absolutely! Shape and store the raw meatballs in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking in the broth.

7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

To make your cooking experience seamless, consider using high-quality kitchen tools. The Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer is perfect for browning the meatballs evenly without added oil, making your preparation faster and healthier.

The T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set ensures your pots and pans are durable and non-stick, ideal for simmering and sautéing vegetable ingredients.

For precise mixing, the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer makes shaping meatballs effortless. Investing in good tools enhances both the flavor and efficiency of your cooking process.

8. Conclusion

Enjoy the comforting embrace of this Swedish meatball soup — a delightful combination of savory meatballs in a rich, creamy broth perfect for a cozy dinner. It’s a wonderful way to bring warm Scandinavian flavors to your table and impress family or guests with minimal effort. Whether you’re craving a quick creamy soup or looking for a hearty meatball dish, this meatball soup recipe hits the spot. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and relish every spoonful of this delicious Nordic comfort food!

Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup