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Swedish Meatball Soup

Swedish Meatball Soup
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Swedish Meatball Soup is a cozy and comforting one-pot dish that combines tender meatballs made from ground beef and pork with a creamy, savory broth. Enhanced with fresh herbs, root vegetables, and traditional seasonings like nutmeg and allspice, this hearty soup delivers warmth and rich flavor with minimal prep time. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed dinners, it’s customizable, family-friendly, and packed with protein to keep you satisfied.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (sub gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

Soup Base

  • 1 tablespoon oil or butter
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 medium potatoes, diced
  • 6 cups beef or chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Finishing Touches

  • 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream (or coconut/cashew cream for dairy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and allspice. Mix gently but thoroughly. Roll the mixture into small bite-sized meatballs and set them aside to firm up while you prepare the broth.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Then add diced carrots and potatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes to build the soup’s hearty base.
  3. Build the Broth: Pour in the beef or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the broth to develop warmth and flavor as the foundation of the soup.
  4. Cook the Meatballs in Soup: Carefully drop the prepared meatballs into the simmering broth. Let them cook gently for 10-15 minutes, until the meatballs are tender and cooked through. Avoid vigorous boiling to keep the meatballs intact.
  5. Finish with Cream and Herbs: Stir in sour cream or your choice of cream to add a creamy texture and slight tang. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Finally, sprinkle fresh dill or parsley over the soup to brighten and freshen the flavors before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh dill or parsley for best flavor and aroma.
  • Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined to keep meatballs tender.
  • Simmer gently to prevent meatballs from breaking apart.
  • Adjust cream amount to your preferred soup consistency.
  • Season broth, meatballs, and final soup separately for balanced taste.
  • Swap meat with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • For vegetarian variation, use mushroom or lentil balls and vegetable broth.
  • Substitute sour cream with coconut or cashew cream for dairy-free version.
  • Add extra veggies like kale, spinach, or peas for more color and nutrition.
  • Freeze with caution: add cream after reheating to avoid separation.

Nutrition

Keywords: Swedish meatball soup, creamy meatball soup, cozy soup, one-pot soup, comfort food, quick dinner, family-friendly soup, Scandinavian soup

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/swedish-meatball-soup/