This Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe is the perfect dish for chilly days, delivering warmth and comfort in every spoonful. With homemade meatballs simmered in a creamy broth filled with vegetables and tender egg noodles or potatoes, this soup makes for an ideal meal for family gatherings or cozy nights in. It’s hearty, flavorful, and sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Warmth: This soup serves as a warm hug on cold days, making it perfect for winter evenings.
- Homemade Flavor: Enjoy the rich taste of homemade meatballs cooked to perfection in a creamy broth.
- Versatile Ingredients: Easily swap out vegetables and noodles to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can dive into this delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this savory soup; it’s great for family dinners.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your cozy soup, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment simplifies the cooking process and ensures that everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Large pot
- Whisk
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients easily without making a mess.
- Skillet: Perfect for browning meatballs evenly, enhancing their flavor before adding them to the soup.
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup; it holds all ingredients comfortably while allowing even heat distribution.
- Whisk: Helps create a smooth roux by eliminating lumps when combining the flour with the broth.

Ingredients
This comforting Swedish meatball soup features savory homemade meatballs simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth with vegetables and tender egg noodles or potatoes. Perfect for chilly days, it’s a bowl of pure warmth and satisfaction.
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or beef (or a mix)
- ½ cup (60 g) breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ 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
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ 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 for 4-5 minutes until they are golden on all sides. Remove them from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Soup
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes while stirring occasionally until vegetables begin to soften. Stir in flour and cook for another 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually pour in 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 browned meatballs along with egg noodles or diced potatoes into the pot. Continue simmering for 10-12 minutes 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 2-3 minutes. Taste your soup; adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your cozy meal!
How to Serve Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe
Serving your Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup is all about enhancing the comforting experience. Here are some delightful ways to present this warm bowl of goodness that will make it even more enjoyable.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough or Baguette: Serve slices of crusty bread alongside the soup for dipping and soaking up the creamy broth.
- Garlic Bread: For a flavor boost, pair your soup with garlic bread that adds a savory crunch.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
- Dill: Add a touch of dill for a classic flavor that complements the meatballs beautifully.
Accompanied by a Salad
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing in a Caesar salad pairs well with the flavors in your meatball soup.
How to Perfect Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe
Perfecting your Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your cooking game.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality beef will enhance flavor and texture in your soup.
- Brown Meatballs Well: Don’t rush browning the meatballs; it adds depth of flavor through caramelization.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like thyme or bay leaf for an extra layer of flavor.
- Let It Rest: Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking; this helps meld the flavors together nicely.
- Serve Hot: Always serve the soup hot for maximum comfort and satisfaction.
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 excellent options to consider.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the soup’s texture while adding heartiness.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted veggies offers sweetness and contrast in flavors.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad provides protein and balances the richness of the soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: The melty cheese pairs wonderfully with the warm broth, perfect for dipping!
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf adds subtle flavors that coexist beautifully with meatballs.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can offer a crisp texture that contrasts nicely with creamy soups.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful twist when dipped into warm soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers can serve as a filling side dish that complements the meal’s heartiness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning the meatballs can result in a lack of depth in flavor. Make sure to brown them well for that delicious crust.
- Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking the vegetables too long can lead to mushiness. Aim for a slight crunch for better texture in your soup.
- Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can leave your soup bland. Always check before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Using Cold Broth: Adding cold broth can slow down cooking time and affect the overall temperature of the soup. Always use warm or hot broth for best results.
- Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Relying on old spices or wilted vegetables can diminish flavors. Use fresh ingredients whenever possible to enhance taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat soup in an oven-safe dish, covered, until warm.
- Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot and heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe that you might find helpful.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option while still keeping that cozy flavor.
What can I use instead of egg noodles?
You can use diced potatoes or any pasta of your choice as an alternative. Just keep an eye on cooking times!
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream. It will still be creamy and delicious!
Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely! Feel free to include other vegetables like peas or green beans for added nutrition and color.
Final Thoughts
This Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe is perfect for chilly days when you crave warmth and comfort. With its creamy broth and savory meatballs, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite veggies or pasta types!
Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup
Cozy up with our delightful Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe, a perfect dish for chilly days that brings warmth and comfort to your table. This hearty soup features savory homemade meatballs, tender vegetables, and egg noodles simmered in a creamy broth, making it an ideal meal for family gatherings or cozy nights in. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this flavorful dish that everyone in your family will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or beef mix
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ 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
- 2 cups egg noodles or diced potatoes
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until golden on all sides; set aside.
- In a large pot, melt butter and sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Stir in flour to form a roux.
- Gradually add beef broth while whisking until smooth. Bring to a simmer before adding meatballs and egg noodles or potatoes.
- Simmer for 10-12 minutes until cooked through. Stir in heavy cream and adjust seasoning as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (350g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg



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