Name: Swedish Meatball Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 egg; 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon butter; 4 cups beef broth; 1 cup heavy cream or sour cream; 3 medium carrots, sliced; 2 cups mushrooms, sliced; 2 cups baby spinach or kale (optional); 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening); Fresh dill or parsley for garnish

If you’re looking for a warm, hearty meal that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl, Swedish Meatball Soup is just what you need. This comforting soup features tender Swedish meatballs in a creamy, flavorful broth with vegetables, making it the perfect dish for chilly days or when you want something satisfying and filling.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup milk

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon butter

4 cups beef broth

1 cup heavy cream or sour cream

2 cups mushrooms, sliced

3 medium carrots, sliced

2 cups baby spinach or kale (optional)

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Fresh dill or parsley for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

Shape the mixture into small bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

In the same pot, add carrots and mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables (if using) and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.

Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer.

Return the meatballs to the pot. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and vegetables are tender.

Stir in the heavy cream or sour cream and cook for another 5 minutes on low heat—do not boil to prevent curdling.

Add baby spinach or kale if using, and cook until wilted.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 60 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Variations

I like to experiment with variations based on what I have on hand or what I’m in the mood for. Here are a few ideas:

Meat Options: You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add more vegetables like peas, corn, or potatoes for added texture and flavor.

Dairy-Free Option: If I need a dairy-free option, I skip the heavy cream and sour cream and use coconut milk or almond milk instead.

Spice it up: For a bit of heat, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the broth.

Storage/Reheating

If there are any leftovers (which is rare!), I store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day. When reheating, I prefer to warm it gently on the stove over low heat to avoid curdling the cream. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

For longer storage, I freeze the soup for up to 3 months. To reheat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and then warm it on the stove.

FAQs

How do I make the meatballs extra tender?

To make the meatballs tender, I make sure not to overmix the meat mixture and to handle it gently. Using milk and breadcrumbs helps keep them soft and moist.

Can I make Swedish Meatball Soup ahead of time?

Yes, I can prepare the soup a day or two in advance. In fact, the flavors tend to meld together even better as it sits. Just make sure to store it properly in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.

Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?

While homemade meatballs taste the best, I’ve used frozen meatballs in a pinch. Just add them directly to the pot when you’re simmering the broth and vegetables. Make sure they’re heated through before serving.

How can I thicken the soup?

If I want a thicker soup, I use the optional flour in the recipe. Alternatively, I can add more heavy cream or sour cream to create a richer, thicker texture.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! I can easily make this soup gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensuring the beef broth is gluten-free.

Conclusion

Swedish Meatball Soup is a perfect combination of cozy, creamy, and comforting flavors that I just can’t get enough of. The tender meatballs, flavorful broth, and veggies all come together to create a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Whether I’m serving it on a cold winter night or just craving something comforting, this soup never disappoints. And with its easy variations, it’s a recipe that I can make my own every time!

Recipe: