This Hearty Swedish Meatball Soup is warm and comforting with tasty meatballs, tender veggies, and a creamy broth. It’s like a hug in a bowl on a chilly day!
You’ll love how filling this soup is, plus it’s super easy to make. I like to serve it with some crusty bread for dipping. Trust me, you’ll want seconds! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: I love using a mix of beef and pork for flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. Just remember, they will change the flavor a bit!
Potatoes: Any type of potatoes works here, but I prefer Russets for their creaminess. For a lower-carb version, try cauliflower instead; it adds a nice texture!
Heavy Cream: This is what gives the soup its richness. If you want a lighter option, substitute with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. Just note it’ll have a different flavor.
Allspice: This adds a warm flavor to the meatballs. If you don’t have it, a pinch of nutmeg or a mix of cinnamon and cloves can work as a substitute.
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs Turn Out Perfectly?
Making meatballs can be tricky, but here are some tips to make them great!
- Don’t Overmix: Combine the ingredients until just mixed. Overworking can lead to tough meatballs!
- Size Matters: Keep your meatballs uniform in size (about 1 inch) for even cooking.
- Brown Them Well: Let them get a nice golden crust without overcrowding the pan. This adds great flavor!
- Simmer Gently: When you return them to the soup, keep the heat low. This prevents the meatballs from breaking apart.
Hearty Swedish Meatball Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 2 tsp Dijon mustard or 1/2 tsp nutmeg for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Hearty Swedish Meatball Soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 30 minutes of cooking. So, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in just under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and allspice. Mix everything together until well-blended. You want all those flavors to combine!
2. Form the Meatballs:
With clean hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. This helps ensure they cook evenly.
3. Brown the Meatballs:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs to the pot and brown them on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. They don’t need to be completely cooked yet, so just a nice golden color will do. Once browned, remove them from the pot and set aside.
4. Cook the Potatoes:
In the same pot, add the diced potatoes and pour in the beef broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, around 15 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
5. Return the Meatballs:
Add the browned meatballs back into the pot. Let them simmer for another 10 minutes so they’re fully cooked through.
6. Add Cream and Season:
Stir in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Gently heat the soup—be careful not to let it boil, as you want a nice creamy texture. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If you like, add Dijon mustard or nutmeg for an extra kick!
7. Serve the Soup:
Ladle the hearty soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or dill for a pop of color and flavor.
8. Enjoy:
Serve your warm soup alongside some crusty bread for an extra satisfying meal. Enjoy every spoonful of this comforting Hearty Swedish Meatball Soup!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them first by leaving them in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water until thawed. Adjust cooking time slightly, as they may take a bit longer to heat through.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works well in this recipe. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut milk, but keep in mind it will change the flavor a bit. Just stir it in gently to keep your soup creamy!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to throw in other vegetables like carrots, peas, or even green beans. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so add firmer veggies like carrots earlier on to allow them to become tender.
