Introduction
There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of soup simmering on the stove, and when it comes to cozy meals, Swedish meatball soup has a special place in our hearts. This delightful dish combines tender meatballs, creamy broth, and aromatic seasonings that warm you from the inside out. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, and you’re sure to win over the kids with its delicious flavors. Plus, it’s a great budget-friendly option that brings a slice of Sweden right into your kitchen.
Reasons to try it
This Swedish meatball soup is a delightful blend of heartiness and comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend treat. Not only is it incredibly quick to prepare, but the meals made from simple, wholesome ingredients always seem to hit the spot. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, making it a win for your wallet too!
“This soup turned a usual weekday dinner into something special! Everyone loved it, and I know I’ll be making it again soon!” – Happy Cook
How to Make Swedish Meatball Soup
Bringing this lovely soup together is both straightforward and rewarding. Start by rolling out the meatballs and letting them cook in a rich beef broth, then finish off with creamy goodness. It’ll be ready to serve in no time, and the whole family will be asking for seconds.
Gather these items
To get started on your flavorful journey, here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Substitution Tips: You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten it up. Using gluten-free breadcrumbs can make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix it well, and form small meatballs.
- In a large pot, bring the beef broth to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and add the mini meatballs. Let them cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, thyme, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for another 5-10 minutes for the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve your warm soup in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
What to serve it with
Pairing this Swedish meatball soup with a fresh side salad is a wonderful way to round out the meal. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad topped with vinaigrette for a light balance, or even some crusty bread for dipping. You might also enjoy it with roasted vegetables or a classic Swedish rye bread to soak up all the creamy goodness.
The best way to save extras
For any leftovers, ensure you cool the soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over medium heat until warmed through to avoid curdling the cream.
Pro chef tips
- If you want to save time, consider making the meatballs in advance and freezing them. Just pop them in the soup when ready to cook!
- For a little added zing, try incorporating some crushed red pepper flakes for heat or adjustable spices so it’s just how you love it.
- Always taste and adjust your seasonings after adding cream to find the perfect balance.
Different ways to try it
Feeling adventurous? Here are some creative twists: Replace the beef with ground lamb for a unique flavor. Add vegetables like carrots or peas for extra nutrients, or even switch up the herbs by using dill or basil for new taste experiences. The options are endless!
Common questions
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using frozen meatballs is a great shortcut. Just add them directly to the broth and cook until heated through.
How can I make it vegetarian?
You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a hearty veggie version.
Can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker broth, you can sprinkle in some cornstarch mixed with a little cold water at the end of cooking. Just allow it to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens up nicely.
- Warm Potato Salad
- Creamy Mushroom Soup
Swedish Meatball Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A cozy bowl of Swedish meatball soup featuring tender meatballs, creamy broth, and aromatic seasonings, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and form small meatballs.
- In a large pot, bring the beef broth to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and add the meatballs. Let them cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, thyme, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for another 5-10 minutes for the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve the warm soup in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
If desired, you can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg