There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Swedish Meatball Soup, especially when the weather turns crisp here in sunny San Diego. It reminds me of the cozy kitchens back home in southern England, where my mum and grandmother would gather us around the table with dishes that felt like a warm hug. This soup combines the familiar nostalgia of tender meatballs with a creamy broth that’s both soothing and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that invites you to slow down, share stories, and enjoy simple moments—something I cherish now more than ever as a busy mom juggling family life and the kitchen chaos.
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Why You’ll Love This Swedish Meatball Soup
This Swedish Meatball Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort and simplicity. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, simmered gently to soak up the rich, creamy broth. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something wholesome but fuss-free. I love how this recipe blends my English roots with a touch of Scandinavian charm—bringing together the best of both worlds. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, which means my little ones happily dip their pieces into the soup without a fuss, making mealtime joyful rather than stressful.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Swedish Meatball Soup
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients—fresh, quality produce and good ground meat make all the difference. Growing up, my mum always emphasized the importance of simple, honest ingredients, and I’ve carried that lesson into my kitchen here in the States. For this soup, I like to use a mix of beef and pork for the meatballs to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness. Fresh herbs and cream add that luxurious touch that makes this soup truly special.
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably fresh)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
- 1 cup diced potatoes or egg noodles (optional for heartiness)
If you want a lighter version, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use ground turkey instead of beef and pork. Fresh breadcrumbs can be replaced with panko for a bit of extra crunch in the meatballs.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
Cozy Up with This Creamy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe
Learn how to make delicious Swedish Meatball Soup. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients—fresh, quality produce and good ground meat make all the difference. Growing up, my mum always emphasized the importance of simple, honest ingredients, and I’ve carried that lesson into my kitchen here in the States. For this soup, I like to use a mix of beef and pork for the meatballs to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness. Fresh herbs and cream add that luxurious touch that makes this soup truly special.
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably fresh)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
- 1 cup diced potatoes or egg noodles (optional for heartiness)
If you want a lighter version, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use ground turkey instead of beef and pork. Fresh breadcrumbs can be replaced with panko for a bit of extra crunch in the meatballs.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—overmixing can make meatballs tough.
- Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Set aside on a plate.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides. They don’t need to be cooked through at this point, just nicely browned. Remove and set aside.
- If using mushrooms, sauté them in the same pot until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir for 1 minute to create a roux, which will thicken the soup.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, browned meatballs, and diced potatoes or egg noodles if using. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through and potatoes or noodles are tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and warm through for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh dill or parsley for a fragrant finish.
One trick I learned in professional kitchens is to brown the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. It helps them develop that beautiful crust and keeps them juicy inside.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Steps to Create Your Swedish Meatball Soup
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—overmixing can make meatballs tough.
- Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Set aside on a plate.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides. They don’t need to be cooked through at this point, just nicely browned. Remove and set aside.
- If using mushrooms, sauté them in the same pot until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir for 1 minute to create a roux, which will thicken the soup.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, browned meatballs, and diced potatoes or egg noodles if using. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through and potatoes or noodles are tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and warm through for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh dill or parsley for a fragrant finish.
One trick I learned in professional kitchens is to brown the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. It helps them develop that beautiful crust and keeps them juicy inside. Learn more: Cozy Up with This Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe
Tips for Making the Best Swedish Meatball Soup
Getting this soup just right is all about layering flavors and paying attention to technique. My time in restaurant kitchens taught me that even simple dishes shine with a bit of care and patience.
- Use a mix of ground beef and pork for moist, flavorful meatballs
- Don’t skip browning the meatballs; it adds depth and texture
- Make your own fresh breadcrumbs if you can—it’s easy and tastes so much better
- Simmer gently after adding the broth to keep the meatballs tender
- Adding Worcestershire sauce is a subtle trick to boost umami without overpowering
- Let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld
These little details make a big difference and turned a humble family recipe into a meal my kids actually ask for. Learn more: classic Swedish meatballs recipe
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This soup’s creamy, savory profile makes it a wonderful centerpiece for cozy dinners or casual lunches. I often serve it on chilly evenings when we want something warm but not too heavy, especially with my daughter’s pancake obsession in mind—she likes to dip her meatballs and noodles into sauce, which always makes me smile.
- Serve with crusty rye or sourdough bread to soak up the broth
- Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for balance
- A light white wine like a Pinot Grigio complements the creamy soup beautifully
- For a heartier meal, add boiled new potatoes or buttered egg noodles on the side
- Top with fresh dill or parsley for a bright, herby finish
Whether it’s a simple family night or a small gathering, this soup’s versatility and comforting flavors never fail to bring everyone together around the table.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage helps you enjoy this soup again without losing its creamy texture and tender meatballs. I always keep extras in the fridge for my husband’s lunch the next day.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce
- Heat gently over low to medium heat to prevent the cream from curdling
- Frozen leftovers can be stored for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for Swedish Meatball Soup?
The main ingredients for Swedish Meatball Soup include the items listed in our ingredients section above. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.
How long does it take to make Swedish Meatball Soup?
The total time to make Swedish Meatball Soup includes both preparation and cooking time. Check the recipe card above for exact timing details.
Can I make Swedish Meatball Soup ahead of time?
Yes, Swedish Meatball Soup can often be prepared in advance. Store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within the recommended timeframe.
What can I serve with Swedish Meatball Soup?
Swedish Meatball Soup pairs well with various sides and accompaniments. Consider the serving suggestions mentioned in the recipe for the best dining experience.
Is Swedish Meatball Soup suitable for special diets?
Depending on the ingredients used, Swedish Meatball Soup may be adapted for various dietary needs. Check the ingredients list and consider substitutions as needed for your dietary requirements.
Final Thoughts
Swedish Meatball Soup is one of those recipes that brings warmth and comfort with every spoonful—perfect for family dinners or quiet nights in. I hope it finds a special place in your kitchen as it has in mine. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how your family enjoys it or any twists you add along the way. Here’s to cooking simply and joyfully, together.
