This Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe is the perfect dish for those chilly evenings when you crave something warm and satisfying. Featuring savory homemade meatballs, a creamy broth, and tender veggies, this soup is both hearty and comforting. Itβs great for family dinners, gatherings, or simply to enjoy on a quiet night in. The delightful blend of flavors will make it a favorite in your home.
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Warmth: This soup provides a cozy feeling that wraps you in warmth with every spoonful.
- Savory Flavor: The combination of spices, meatballs, and creamy broth creates an irresistible taste experience.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, anyone can whip up this delightful meal.
- Versatile Dish: You can easily adjust ingredients or add your favorite vegetables for a personal touch.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well, making it an excellent option for leftovers or meal prep for the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make the most of this cozy meatball soup, having the right tools can help streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Large pot
- Whisk
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all your meatball ingredients without spilling.
- Skillet: Ideal for browning the meatballs evenly, adding flavor through that delicious caramelization.
- Large pot: Perfect for simmering the soup and allowing all flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Whisk: Helps create a smooth broth by eliminating lumps when adding flour and broth.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or beef (or a mix)
- Β½ cup (60 g) breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ΒΌ cup (60 ml) milk
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Β½ tsp onion powder
- Β½ tsp garlic powder
- Β½ tsp salt
- Β½ tsp black pepper
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp (28 g) butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 tbsp (24 g) all-purpose flour
- 4 cups (960 ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- Β½ tsp nutmeg
- Β½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- Β½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups (200 g) egg noodles or diced potatoes
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How to Make Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground beef (or beef), breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined. Roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1-inch in diameter) and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Brown the meatballs in batches, cooking for 4β5 minutes until they are golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Soup
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5β7 minutes while stirring occasionally until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the flour and cook for another 1β2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking to combine and eliminate lumps.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a simmer. Add nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Gently add the browned meatballs along with egg noodles (or diced potatoes). Continue simmering for 10β12 minutes or until noodles or potatoes are tender and meatballs are fully cooked through.
Step 5: Finish the Soup
Stir in heavy cream and cook for an additional 2β3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Enjoy your Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe, perfect for any occasion where comfort food is welcomed!
How to Serve Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe
Serving Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup is all about enhancing its warm and comforting qualities. This soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various accompaniments that elevate the experience.
Garnish Ideas
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can provide a tangy contrast to the creamy broth.
Bread Pairings
- Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping into the rich soup.
- Garlic Bread: The aromatic flavors of garlic bread complement the savory meatballs perfectly.
Salad Options
- Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad adds crunch and a hint of creaminess.
- Mixed Greens: Fresh mixed greens with a vinaigrette offer a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
Beverage Suggestions
- Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea can enhance the cozy atmosphere.
- Sparkling Water: Lightly flavored sparkling water provides a refreshing palate cleanser.
How to Perfect Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe
To make your Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture in your soup.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you cook and adjust salt and pepper for the best results.
- Brown Meatballs Thoroughly: Browning meatballs improves flavor through caramelization.
- Simmer Gently: Allowing the soup to simmer gently helps meld the flavors beautifully.
- Experiment with Noodles: Try different types of noodles or even dumplings for variety in texture.
- Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day; make it ahead of time for maximum flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Butter Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables add a healthy, earthy balance to your meal.
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad complements the richness of the soup without overwhelming it.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast with its crisp textures and tangy dressing.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs provides a nice base to soak up the delicious broth.
- Crackers or Crispbread: Simple crackers or crispbread offer a delightful crunch alongside your soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies can be a hearty addition.
- Cheese Platter: A small cheese platter can elevate your meal, offering various flavors to enjoy before or after the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe, avoid these common mistakes for the best results.
- Using frozen meatballs: Freshly made meatballs are crucial for flavor and texture. Instead of opting for pre-made, take a little extra time to prepare them from scratch.
- Skipping the browning step: Browning meatballs adds depth to the soup. Donβt skip this; it enhances the overall taste. Ensure you brown them until golden before adding them to the broth.
- Neglecting the seasoning: Proper seasoning is key. Taste your broth and adjust the salt and pepper as needed during cooking to ensure a well-balanced flavor.
- Choosing the wrong noodles or potatoes: Not all noodles or potatoes work well in this soup. Use egg noodles or diced potatoes that cook quickly, ensuring they blend seamlessly with the rest of the dish.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Overcooked veggies can become mushy. Cook them just until they soften to maintain their texture and add vibrancy to your soup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers for expansion as it freezes.
Reheating Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe.
Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for beef in this recipe. It will still yield delicious meatballs.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative.
What vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or green beans for extra nutrition and color in your Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe.
How long does it take to prepare?
The total time is about 45 minutes, including prep and cook time, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Final Thoughts
This Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or switching up the type of broth used. Donβt hesitate to try this hearty dish on a chilly day; itβs sure to warm your soul!

Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup
- Author: Adeline
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Warm up with this cozy Swedish meatball soup recipe filled with savory meatballs and creamy broth. Perfect for chilly days! Try it today!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- Β½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ΒΌ cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Β½ tsp nutmeg
- Β½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- Β½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups egg noodles or diced potatoes
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat with oil and brown meatballs for about 4-5 minutes. Set aside.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened.
- Stir in flour to create a roux; gradually add beef broth while whisking until smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and add nutmeg, salt, pepper, browned meatballs, and egg noodles or potatoes. Simmer until tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and cook for an additional few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, incorporate extra vegetables like peas or green beans. Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option. This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.








