This Hearty Swedish Meatball Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Filled with tasty meatballs, veggies, and creamy broth, it’s perfect for chilly days.
I love how cozy this soup makes me feel. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without even noticing! Who can resist a bowl of goodness like this? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: You can use a mix of beef and pork for a richer flavor. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken works too! Just keep in mind that the taste will be lighter.
Bread Crumbs: If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or oatmeal can work well as a binder. Make sure the alternative is finely crushed to hold the meatballs together.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Greek yogurt can also add creaminess but will give a tangy flavor.
Broth: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or homemade broth for richer flavor. If you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, you can use water with herbs.
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs Stay Juicy?
Making meatballs can be tricky, but there are simple ways to keep them juicy. Here are some tips:
- Soak the breadcrumbs in milk; this keeps the meatballs moist.
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture. Mixing just until combined helps keep them tender.
- Form meatballs gently; using a light hand is key to avoiding dense meatballs.
- Browning in butter adds flavor and a nice crust. Cook them in batches if needed, so they aren’t overcrowded.
Hearty Swedish Meatball Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice (optional)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
For The Soup:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or sour cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for slight heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup requires about 25 minutes for preparation and approximately 30 minutes for cooking, totaling around 55 minutes before you can enjoy this hearty meal. You’ll spend about 15 minutes making the meatballs and another 40 minutes simmering the soup to bring all those amazing flavors together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for about 5 minutes until they soften. This helps the meatballs stay moist! Next, add in the ground meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your meatballs to be tender, not tough.
2. Form the Meatballs:
Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Set them aside while you get the soup going.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook them until they are nicely browned on all sides, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, toss in the diced onion and carrots. Cook them until they soften, about 5 minutes. You’ll start to see those delicious flavors come together!
5. Create the Soup Base:
Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and stir everything together well. Cook for 1-2 minutes to get rid of that raw flour taste. Then, slowly whisk in the beef or vegetable broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. The broth will create a rich base for your soup.
6. Return the Meatballs:
Now, add the browned meatballs back into the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the meatballs to cook through fully and the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. Add Creaminess:
Turn the heat down and stir in the heavy cream or sour cream. If you’re using Worcestershire sauce, add that in too. Heat gently without letting it boil to keep everything nice and creamy.
8. Final Touches:
Taste the soup and adjust seasonings with a little salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for some extra warmth. Stir and let it simmer for a few more minutes if needed.
9. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the soup hot and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a lovely touch of color and flavor. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Hearty Swedish Meatball Soup!
This soup combines the classic flavors of Swedish meatballs with a rich, creamy broth loaded with tender vegetables—a truly hearty and comforting meal! Enjoy every delicious bite! 😊
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before adding them to the soup. If you’re short on time, you can add them directly from frozen; just increase the cooking time until they’re heated through.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use plant-based meat alternatives instead of ground beef or pork, and replace the beef broth with vegetable broth. You can also add more vegetables to enhance the soup’s flavor and texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to store it for longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave out the cream until you reheat it, as it can separate when frozen.
Can I Add More Veggies?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies like peas, corn, or green beans. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so they don’t become mushy; add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking for best results!
