Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup to lift your spirits. Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender, flavorful meatballs with a creamy, hearty broth. This soup is a wonderful blend of savory flavors, with soft meatballs, carrots, celery, and egg noodles (or potatoes) simmered in a rich, creamy broth. The slight touch of nutmeg in the soup gives it a warm, aromatic flavor that sets it apart from other soups, while the meatballs provide the perfect amount of protein and heartiness to make it a complete meal.

This soup is incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner for your family, meal prepping for the week, or looking to impress guests at a gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. The beauty of Swedish Meatball Soup is its simplicity – with just a few basic ingredients, you can create a bowl of soup that is full of flavor and guaranteed to satisfy. Paired with some fresh bread, this soup is perfect for any cold night when you’re craving something warm and filling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comforting and Hearty

The combination of tender meatballs, creamy broth, and veggies creates a warm and filling dish that’s perfect for cozy evenings.

2. Easy to Make

Despite its rich flavors, this soup is surprisingly simple to prepare and doesn’t require any advanced cooking skills.

3. Customizable

You can easily swap out the noodles for diced potatoes, or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. This recipe is versatile and can be personalized with your favorite veggies.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

This soup holds up well in the fridge and even tastes better the next day. It’s perfect for making in bulk and enjoying throughout the week.

5. Family-Friendly

With its mild flavors and tender meatballs, this soup is loved by both kids and adults. It’s a great way to get the whole family to gather around the table.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• Ground beef or pork (or a mix)
• Breadcrumbs
• Large 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 (or to taste)
• Black pepper
• Egg noodles or diced potatoes
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the meatballs with plant-based meatballs or make your own with lentils, mushrooms, and breadcrumbs for a meatless version.
• Add More Vegetables: For extra nutrition, add peas, green beans, or corn to the soup.
• Spicy Kick: If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup base for a little extra spice.
• Dairy-Free: Swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative to make the soup dairy-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set them aside on a plate.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook them for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside.

Step 3: Make the Soup Base

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, stirring constantly.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Cream

Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring, making sure to scrape any bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper, and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Meatballs and Noodles

Carefully add the browned meatballs back into the pot. Then, add the egg noodles or diced potatoes to the soup. Continue to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through and the meatballs are fully cooked.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overcook the meatballs: Brown the meatballs on the outside to develop flavor, but don’t cook them through completely at this stage. They will finish cooking in the soup.
• Adjust the consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a little longer, or add a bit more flour to the base. For a thinner soup, simply add more broth.
• Make the meatballs ahead of time: You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance, storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook the soup.

How to Serve

Serve Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup with a slice of crusty bread or a side of buttered rolls for a complete and satisfying meal. A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables also make a perfect accompaniment to this comforting soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, be sure to stir occasionally and add a bit more broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much.

Freezing

This soup freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When reheating, allow the soup to thaw in the fridge overnight and heat it gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat the soup in a pot over low to medium heat, adding extra broth or cream if necessary to reach the desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of meats for the meatballs, depending on your preference.

2. Can I make this soup without egg noodles?

Absolutely! You can substitute the egg noodles with diced potatoes, rice, or any other type of pasta you prefer.

3. How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The meatballs should be fully cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). They will also float to the top of the soup when done.

4. Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! Feel free to add peas, spinach, or even parsnips to increase the vegetable content of this soup.

5. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking them in the soup.

6. Is this soup gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply swap the breadcrumbs in the meatballs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and use a gluten-free flour blend for the soup base.

7. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can make the soup dairy-free by using coconut cream in place of heavy cream and omitting any cheese garnishes.

8. How do I store the soup?

Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

9. Can I make this soup spicier?

If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the soup.

10. Can I use ground beef for the meatballs?

Yes, ground beef works perfectly for the meatballs. You can also use ground pork or a mix of both for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup is the ultimate comfort dish—rich, creamy, and packed with tender meatballs, hearty vegetables, and egg noodles (or potatoes). It’s a versatile and satisfying recipe that’s perfect for cold weather or any time you’re craving a hearty, warming bowl of soup. Whether you enjoy it for a casual family dinner or a special occasion, this soup will quickly become a beloved favorite. Easy to make, easy to store, and delicious to eat, it’s a comforting meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

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