I can hardly contain my excitement about sharing this recipe for Swedish Meatball Soup with you! There’s something undeniably cozy about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with those delicious, tender meatballs that remind you of a hearty Swedish meatball dish. Whenever I make this soup, I’m instantly transported back to my childhood kitchen, curled up with loved ones during a chilly evening. The aroma wafting through the house makes even the coldest winter days feel like a warm hug.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity – it’s a one-pot wonder that comes together quite easily, yet it’s bursting with flavor. Not only do I enjoy savoring it, but I also get a kick from seeing the joy on friends’ faces when I serve it up. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want a steaming bowl of rich broth, creamy goodness, and meatballs that sip so tenderly in a cozy atmosphere? So, let’s dive in!
What’s in Swedish Meatball Soup?
Ground Beef: The star ingredient here, I always opt for a lean ground beef to keep it rich without being too greasy. It’s tender, juicy, and filled with flavor.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs together, giving them that perfect texture. I often use plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs depending on what I have in my pantry.
Milk: A splash of milk keeps the meatballs moist and adds an extra layer of richness. I usually go for whole milk, but use whatever you have on hand.
Onion: Finely chopped onions add a sweet onion flavor. Make sure to chop them well so they blend into the meat mixture.
Garlic: A single clove, minced to perfection, brings an aromatic punch to the dish.
Egg: This works as a binding agent for the meatball mixture just like the breadcrumbs and milk do.
Seasonings (Salt, Black Pepper, Allspice): A blend of these seasonings gives the meatballs a delicious kick. The allspice, in particular, adds that famous Swedish flavor that makes this dish unique.
Chicken Broth: The base of the soup that brings everything together. You can’t go wrong with a good-quality broth to elevate the flavors!
Heavy Cream: This is where the comfort comes in! It makes the soup rich and creamy, turning it into a delightful treat.
Egg Noodles: These noodles soak up the flavor of the broth beautifully and offer a satisfying bite.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of this on top for garnish not only adds color but freshness to each serving.
Olive Oil: Used for cooking the meatballs, a good-quality extra virgin olive oil works wonders here.
Sour Cream: Optional, but trust me, it adds a lovely tang to the soup that complements the flavors beautifully when dolloped on top.
Is Swedish Meatball Soup Good for You?
You might be wondering if such a luscious dish can fit into a healthy lifestyle, and the answer is – absolutely!
Ground Beef: Packed with protein, it’s a great source of essential amino acids, but you can substitute with turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option.
Heavy Cream: This adds delicious creaminess but can be swapped with a lighter option like half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Egg Noodles: They bring a comforting carb base to the soup, but you can also use whole wheat noodles or spiralized veggies for a healthier twist.
Of course, moderation is key! Enjoy a hearty bowl of this delicious soup occasionally and balance it out with more colorful veggies in other meals throughout your week.
Ingredients for Swedish Meatball Soup
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon allspice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups egg noodles
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking meatballs)
– Optional: Sour cream for serving
This recipe serves about 4 people.
How to Make Swedish Meatball Soup?
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and allspice. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Scoop out small portions of the meat mixture and roll them into meatballs, aiming for about 1 inch in diameter.
3. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, which should take about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Add the egg noodles to the simmering broth and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 5-6 minutes.
6. After the noodles are cooked, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, mixing until well combined.
7. Return the meatballs to the pot and let everything simmer together for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing those delicious flavors to blend so beautifully.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed; sometimes, a pinch more salt can do wonders!
9. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Comfort in a Bowl!
This Swedish Meatball Soup is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl! Perfect for chilly days or when you need a little extra comfort food in your life. I often serve it with crusty bread to soak up all that wonderful broth, making it a complete meal that’s bound to please everyone, including your picky eaters!
I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try. Trust me, once you do, you’ll want to savor it on repeat! Feel free to share your experiences, variations, or any fun stories that come up during your cooking adventure!
