Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup

Highlighted under: Classic Comfort Dishes

Warm up with a bowl of Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup, a delicious and hearty dish perfect for chilly days.

Ella

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2025-12-05T05:25:52.220Z

This Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup is inspired by traditional Swedish flavors, featuring tender meatballs and a creamy broth that will warm your heart.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Hearty meatballs that are full of flavor
  • Creamy and comforting broth
  • Perfect for sharing with family on a cozy night

A Hearty Comfort Food Classic

Swedish meatball soup is a beloved dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This delightful recipe combines the tender, flavorful meatballs with a creamy, savory broth, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Each spoonful transports you to a cozy Scandinavian kitchen, where hearty meals are crafted with love. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet night in or hosting a gathering with friends, this soup is sure to impress.

The beauty of this soup lies not only in its rich flavor but also in its versatility. You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your family's preferences. Add extra vegetables, spices, or even swap out the meat for a different protein. This adaptability makes it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or special occasions alike.

Perfect for Family Gatherings

Gathering around a pot of homemade soup is a cherished tradition in many households. Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup is especially wonderful for family dinners, as it invites everyone to share in the experience of preparing and enjoying a meal together. The aroma of simmering meatballs and fresh herbs fills your home, creating an atmosphere of warmth and love.

This recipe is designed to serve a crowd, making it ideal for potlucks or family gatherings. With its comforting flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s a dish that encourages conversation and connection. Plus, everyone can help out in the kitchen, from mixing the meatballs to chopping the vegetables, making it a fun family activity.

A Nutritional Boost

Not only is this soup delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients. The combination of lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and leafy spinach offers a well-rounded meal that provides essential vitamins and minerals. Heavy cream adds a touch of indulgence while balancing the dish with healthy fats, making it a satisfying option for any time of year.

Additionally, this recipe is an excellent way to introduce more greens into your family's diet. Spinach is rich in iron and vitamins A and C, contributing to overall health. By incorporating nutritious ingredients into a comfort food classic, you can provide a meal that’s both enjoyable and beneficial for your loved ones.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Soup

  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all the ingredients well before cooking.

Instructions

Instructions

Make the Meatballs

In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and form into small meatballs.

Brown the Meatballs

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables

In the same pot, add chopped onion and carrots. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Simmer the Soup

Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Add the meatballs back to the pot, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.

Add Cream and Spinach

Stir in the heavy cream and baby spinach, cooking until the spinach is wilted. Season with dill, salt, and pepper to taste.

Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Storing and Freezing Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of broth or cream to maintain its creamy consistency.

For longer storage, this soup also freezes well. Portion out the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove. This makes for a quick and satisfying meal on busy days.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance your dining experience, pair this hearty soup with crusty bread or homemade rolls for dipping. A fresh salad on the side adds a light, crunchy contrast to the rich flavors of the soup. You could also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of additional parsley for a pop of flavor and color.

For a complete meal, consider adding a simple dessert after your soup. A light fruit salad or a warm apple pie would be perfect to round out the evening, keeping the cozy theme alive.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to give this soup your unique twist. For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some freshly cracked black pepper. You could also try incorporating other vegetables like peas or bell peppers to add more color and nutrition.

If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using ground turkey or chicken for the meatballs. This swap will still yield deliciously tender meatballs while reducing the fat content. Vegan alternatives can also be used by substituting plant-based meat and cream alternatives, making this recipe accessible for everyone.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, frozen meatballs can be used. Just increase the cooking time slightly.

→ How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the beef broth is gluten-free.

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead and reheat it before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

It pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup

Warm up with a bowl of Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup, a delicious and hearty dish perfect for chilly days.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Ella

Recipe Type: Classic Comfort Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Meatballs

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  3. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  4. 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  5. 1 egg
  6. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

For the Soup

  1. 4 cups beef broth
  2. 1 cup heavy cream
  3. 1 medium onion, chopped
  4. 2 carrots, diced
  5. 2 cups baby spinach
  6. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  7. 1 teaspoon dried dill
  8. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and form into small meatballs.

Step 02

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 03

In the same pot, add chopped onion and carrots. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 04

Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Add the meatballs back to the pot, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.

Step 05

Stir in the heavy cream and baby spinach, cooking until the spinach is wilted. Season with dill, salt, and pepper to taste.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 25g