There’s something so cozy about a hearty bowl of soup on a cold day. When you combine the classic flavors of Swedish meatballs with creamy, cheesy soup, you get the ultimate comfort food: Swedish Meatball Soup. This warm and satisfying dish features tender, spiced meatballs, rich broth infused with beer, cream, and cheddar cheese, and hearty vegetables to tie everything together.

Whether you’re looking for a new dish to serve at family dinners, a way to warm up on chilly evenings, or a recipe that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat, this Swedish Meatball Soup has it all. Let’s dive into this flavorful, soul-warming recipe step by step!

Why Swedish Meatball Soup Is the Perfect Comfort Food

What makes Swedish Meatball Soup so special? It’s the combination of rich, hearty flavors and creamy textures that make it the ultimate bowl of comfort. Here are some reasons you’ll love it:

• Classic Swedish Flavors: Traditional spices like nutmeg, allspice, and ginger give the meatballs their signature taste.
• Creamy, Cheesy Broth: The addition of beer, cheddar cheese, and cream creates a luxurious, velvety soup base.
• Hearty Ingredients: With egg noodles, potatoes, carrots, and celery, this soup is as filling as it is flavorful.
• Perfect for Winter: This warm, comforting dish is ideal for cold weather and brings cozy vibes to the table.

Ingredients for Swedish Meatball Soup

Here’s everything you’ll need to make both the meatballs and the soup. Gather your ingredients before you start cooking for a seamless process.

For the Meatballs

• 2 large eggs
• 2/3 cup fresh bread crumbs
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper (or black pepper)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 12 oz. ground beef
• 4 oz. ground sweet pork sausage
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

For the Soup

• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 3 medium stalks celery, sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons
• 2 small carrots, sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons
• 5 cloves garlic, grated
• 8 oz. russet potatoes, peeled and chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
• Kosher salt
• Ground white or black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon spicy mustard
• 1 cup lager beer
• 2 quarts low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 oz. egg noodles
• 4 oz. grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup heavy or light cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Directions for Swedish Meatball Soup

Follow these steps to create a rich, flavorful soup that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Make the Meatballs

1. Mix the Ingredients
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, bread crumbs, garlic, heavy cream, salt, allspice, nutmeg, pepper, and ginger.
   • Add the ground beef and sweet pork sausage to the mixture and combine until fully incorporated.
2. Shape the Meatballs
   • Form the mixture into 18 to 20 meatballs, using about 1 heaping tablespoon of the mixture for each.
   • Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Cook the Meatballs
   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown on all sides. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
   • Transfer the cooked meatballs back to the parchment-lined baking sheet (they will finish cooking in the soup).

Make the Soup

1. Sauté the Vegetables
   • In the same pot you used for the meatballs, add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the onion and celery start to soften (about 5 minutes).
   • Add the grated garlic and cook for another minute, stirring until fragrant.
2. Add the Potatoes
   • Stir in the potatoes and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Thicken the Soup Base
   • Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat.
   • Add the spicy mustard and mix thoroughly.
4. Deglaze the Pot with Beer
   • Pour in the lager beer and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces slightly.
5. Simmer the Broth
   • Add the chicken broth and reduce the heat to medium-low. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
6. Cook the Meatballs and Noodles
   • Carefully add the meatballs back into the pot. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and the soup thickens slightly.
   • Stir in the egg noodles and cook until al dente, about 6 minutes.
7. Finish with Cheese and Cream
   • Remove the soup from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese and cream. Stir until the cheese has melted completely, creating a creamy and rich broth.
8. Serve and Garnish
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips for the Best Swedish Meatball Soup

• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly grated nutmeg and ground allspice elevate the flavor of the meatballs.
• Don’t Skip the Beer: The lager beer adds a deep, savory flavor to the soup. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with an equal amount of chicken broth.
• Work in Batches: Cook the meatballs in batches to ensure they brown evenly without overcrowding the pot.
• Cream or Light Cream?: For a richer soup, use heavy cream. For a lighter version, opt for light cream or half-and-half.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	390 kcal
Protein	18 g
Total Fat	22 g
Saturated Fat	10 g
Carbohydrates	28 g
Sugars	4 g
Sodium	780 mg

FAQs About Swedish Meatball Soup

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the soup up to a day in advance. Reheat it gently over medium-low heat and add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.

2. What can I substitute for the lager beer?

If you don’t want to use beer, you can substitute it with chicken broth or even apple cider for a slightly sweet twist.

3. Can I freeze Swedish Meatball Soup?

This soup is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it without the cream and cheese. When reheating, add the cream and cheese just before serving.

4. Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes, but homemade meatballs provide the authentic Swedish flavors. If using store-bought meatballs, choose a plain or lightly seasoned variety.

5. How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs, and replace the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free alternative to thicken the soup.

6. What can I serve with this soup?

Serve Swedish Meatball Soup with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion: Try Swedish Meatball Soup Today!

This Swedish Meatball Soup with cream, beer, and cheddar cheese is the perfect way to bring warmth and comfort to your table. With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or enjoying leftovers for lunch, this soup will warm your heart and soul.

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