Swedish Meatball Soup

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Creamy, cozy, and packed with comforting flavors

Warm up with a bowl of Swedish Meatball Soup, a hearty and comforting recipe that combines tender homemade meatballs, vegetables, and egg noodles in a rich, creamy broth. Inspired by classic Swedish meatballs, this one-pot meal is perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or meal prep for the week ahead. Ready in just under an hour, this easy meatball soup recipe delivers all the cozy flavors you love with minimal cleanup. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

⏱️ Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Servings: 6

πŸ“ Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • Β½ pound ground chicken
  • Β½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • ΒΌ cup finely diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Β½ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ΒΌ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Β½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)

For the Soup

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups egg noodles
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Β½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Large Dutch oven or soup pot
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon
  • Whisk

πŸ‘©β€πŸ³ Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Make the meatball mixture. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Shape the meatballs. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should have about 24–28 meatballs.
  3. Brown the meatballs. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly browned on all sides. They do not need to be fully cooked. Transfer them to a plate. πŸ–
  4. Cook the vegetables. In the same pot, melt the butter. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Build the broth. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the beef broth until smooth. Add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and black pepper.
  6. Simmer the soup. Return the browned meatballs to the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.
  7. Cook the noodles. Stir in the egg noodles and cook for 7–8 minutes, or until tender.
  8. Finish with cream. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes without boiling. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed. πŸ₯£
  9. Serve. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy with warm crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal. 😊

πŸ’‘ Pro Tips

  • Mix gently: Overworking the meatball mixture can make the meatballs dense.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze the soup without the noodles for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
  • Extra richness: Stir in a spoonful of sour cream just before serving for an authentic Swedish-inspired finish.

🌟 Variations

  • Use all ground beef or a combination of beef and turkey.
  • Add sliced mushrooms for extra earthy flavor.
  • Replace egg noodles with small pasta shells or diced potatoes.
  • Stir in fresh spinach during the final few minutes for added greens.
  • Top each bowl with grated Parmesan for a savory twist.

❓ FAQ

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the soup a day in advance for even deeper flavor. Cook the noodles separately and add them when reheating to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Can I use frozen meatballs?
Absolutely. Use fully cooked frozen meatballs to save time. Simmer them in the broth until heated through before adding the noodles.

Why is my soup too thick?
The noodles absorb liquid as they sit. Add extra beef broth or a splash of cream when reheating.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs, gluten-free flour, Worcestershire sauce that’s certified gluten-free, and gluten-free pasta.

🍽️ Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

  • Calories: 495
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fat: 31g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 690mg

This Swedish Meatball Soup is rich, creamy, and filled with tender meatballs, vegetables, and comforting noodles in every spoonful. It’s an easy one-pot dinner that’s perfect for cozy nights, family gatherings, or preparing ahead for delicious lunches throughout the week.

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