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Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup

This hearty soup combines tender, savory meatballs with a rich broth, perfect for cold evenings or family gatherings.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Swedish
Calories: 430

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for browning meatballs)
For the Soup Base
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
  • 2 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
  • 2 stalks celery (sliced)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup (1 can)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Fresh dill or parsley (for garnish)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  2. Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
Cooking the Soup
  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. While the vegetables are cooking, heat the olive oil or butter in a separate skillet and brown the meatballs in batches for about 2-3 minutes on all sides.
  3. Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Gradually whisk in the beef broth until smooth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce.
  5. Bring the soup to a simmer, then add the browned meatballs. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh dill or parsley.

Notes

This soup can be served with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. For extra comfort, pair with a glass of red wine or hot apple cider. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.