There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Swedish Meatball Soup on a chilly day. This hearty dish captures the flavors I adore from traditional Swedish meatballs but transforms them into a rich, creamy soup that just wraps you in a cozy hug. I remember the first time I made this for my family on a snowy evening—it was an instant hit! As we gathered around the dinner table, the laughter and chatter flowed as freely as the soup. It’s one of those recipes that evokes memories while filling you up with deliciousness.
What I love most about this soup is its versatility and ease. You can whip it up in about an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. Plus, it’s easily adaptable; whether you want to throw in some extra veggies or swap out the pasta for something gluten-free, this soup can handle it all. So, let’s dive into the details of how to create this delectable dish!
What’s in Swedish Meatball Soup?
- Ground beef: I often use a mix of ground beef and pork for that classic meaty goodness, but feel free to stick with just beef if that’s what you have on hand.
- Breadcrumbs: These act as a binder for the meatballs, giving them a lovely texture. You can use regular or panko breadcrumbs—both work beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a rich, umami flavor to the meatballs. For a twist, you could experiment with an aged cheddar, too!
- Onion: Finely chopped onion helps build flavor in both the meatballs and the soup base. If you’re not a fan of onion, you could use leeks or shallots instead.
- Egg: This acts as a binder to hold everything together in the meatballs.
- Garlic powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder brings warmth and depth to the meatball mixture.
- Salt and black pepper: These essential seasonings make sure everything tastes just right!
- Beef broth: The base of our soup, beef broth infuses the dish with rich flavor. I love using low-sodium broth to control taste better.
- Heavy cream: This adds a dreamy creaminess to the soup that will make you want to dive right in!
- Egg noodles: They soak up the broth beautifully for a satisfying bite. You can swap these for any pasta you love.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley is our fresh finishing touch! You could also consider dill for that authentic Scandinavian flair.
- Olive oil: For cooking up those flavorful meatballs. It’s my go-to oil, but feel free to use what you like.
- Optional: Sour cream, for a dollop of tangy goodness when serving.
Is Swedish Meatball Soup Good for You?
This delightful soup definitely has its perks! With protein-packed ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, it can keep you feeling satisfied. The heavy cream makes it indulgent but can be substituted with half-and-half or a lighter cream if you’re watching calories. On the downside, the creaminess and carbs from the egg noodles might not fit into all diet plans. So, if you’re looking for a lighter option, consider adding some veggies like carrots or spinach to the mix instead of, or in addition to, the pasta.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup egg noodles (or pasta of your choice)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- Optional: sour cream, for serving
How to Make Swedish Meatball Soup?
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking until browned on all sides—about 4-5 minutes. Remove the meatballs and set aside.
- Pour beef broth into the same pot and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the meatballs back to the pot.
- In a separate bowl, combine heavy cream with a little bit of the hot broth to temper it, then pour this mixture back into the pot. Stir until combined.
- Add the egg noodles to the soup and let it simmer until they’re cooked through—about 10 minutes.
- Once everything is cooked, ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and if desired, add a dollop of sour cream.
Soup-er Tips and Tricks!
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the meatball mixture for a unique flavor twist—trust me, it elevates the dish!
- If you need to make this dish ahead of time, it stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, or you can freeze it for longer. Just be sure to leave out the noodles until you’re ready to serve!
- Feel free to switch up the pasta or even try adding some fresh vegetables like carrots or greens to amp up the nutrition.
Swedish Meatball Soup is one of those soul-warming recipes that can turn an ordinary meal into a cherished memory. I can’t wait for you to give it a try! If you do, let me know how it turns out—sharing food experiences always brings a smile to my face. Happy cooking!
