Swedish Meat Ball Soup
A hearty Swedish-inspired meatball soup with tender potatoes, peas, and flavorful meatballs in a creamy broth, perfect for comforting family dinners or chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 2 cups half and half cream, divided ⓘ
- 1 cup soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 small onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1¾ teaspoons salt, divided
- 1½ pounds ground beef ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- ¾ teaspoon beef bouillon granules ⓘ
- ½ teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 3 cups water ⓘ
- 1 pound red potatoes, cubed ⓘ
- 1 package frozen peas, thawed ⓘ
Instructions
- In a bowl, beat the egg; add 1/3 cup of cream, bread crumbs, finely chopped onion, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Add ground beef; mix well and shape into 1/2-inch meatballs.
- In a Dutch oven or soup kettle, brown meatballs in butter, half at a time. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Drain excess fat from the pan.
- To the pan, add flour, beef bouillon granules, pepper, garlic salt, and remaining salt; stir until smooth.
- Gradually stir in water and bring to a boil, stirring often.
- Add cubed potatoes and meatballs to the broth.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in thawed peas and remaining cream; heat through and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef and substituting low-fat cream for half and half. If you don't have beef bouillon granules, use beef broth instead. To enhance flavor, add fresh herbs like dill or parsley. Ensure the meatballs are evenly browned for a richer taste. This recipe can also be adapted for a heartier dish by adding more vegetables like carrots or celery.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Swedish Meatball Soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs for a touch of color. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a cozy dinner, consider serving it alongside a classic dish like Beef Stroganoff Nerelli. It’s perfect for chilly evenings and can be a delightful centerpiece for family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the meatballs from becoming tough. You can also add a splash of water or additional cream to maintain the soup's consistency during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Meat Ball Soup contains roughly 1809 calories, with 19g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 132g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), protein (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2010mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-made meatballs for this soup?
Yes, you can use pre-made meatballs to save time. Just ensure they are cooked through before adding them to the soup. Adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking them, as they will already be ready to eat.
What can I substitute for the potatoes?
If you prefer not to use potatoes, you can substitute with sweet potatoes or even cauliflower for a lower-carb option. Both will add a delicious flavor and texture to the soup, making it a versatile dish.
Can I freeze the soup?
While you can freeze the soup, it's best to do so without the cream added. The cream may separate upon reheating. Freeze the soup in portions, and when ready to enjoy, thaw and reheat, then stir in fresh cream just before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).