When the weather turns chilly, nothing beats a bowl of creamy, hearty soup. This Swedish meatball soup takes all the cozy flavors of classic meatballs and brings them into a rich, creamy broth with noodles and veggies. It’s the perfect comfort food for family dinners, weeknight meals, or anytime you want something warm and satisfying.

why you’ll love cozy swedish meatball soup

This soup is comfort food at its finest. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, while the broth is rich, creamy, and infused with garlic and onions. Carrots and noodles make it hearty enough to serve as a full meal. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s simple to make and guaranteed to please the whole family.

If you love creamy comfort soups, you’ll also enjoy this Creamy Tuscan-Style Marry Me Chicken Soup packed with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian flavors.

how to make cozy swedish meatball soup

Start by making the meatballs. Mix ground beef or poultry with breadcrumbs, onion, egg, and seasonings. Roll into small balls and brown them in a skillet. This step locks in flavor and ensures they hold their shape in the soup.

For the soup base, sauté onion, garlic, and carrots in butter. Add broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Gently place in the browned meatballs and let them simmer to finish cooking.

Add noodles and cook until tender, then stir in cream for that signature richness. Season to taste, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot. It’s a cozy bowl of pure comfort.

For another veggie-packed option, check out this Creamy Vegetable Soup that’s wholesome, hearty, and just as comforting.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef or ground chicken/turkey
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
¼ cup grated onion
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp parsley (optional)
2 tbsp oil (for browning)

For the Soup Base:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, sliced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 ½ cups uncooked egg noodles or pasta of choice
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions:

In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
Heat oil in a skillet. Brown meatballs on all sides. Set aside.
In a large pot, melt butter. Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add carrots and cook 3–4 minutes.
Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and gently add meatballs. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Add noodles and cook 8–10 minutes until tender.
Stir in cream. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. Do not boil.
Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley. Serve hot.

tips for success

Use a light hand when mixing the meatballs to keep them tender.
Brown meatballs before simmering for maximum flavor.
Add cream at the end and avoid boiling to prevent curdling.

creative variations

Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace egg noodles with zucchini noodles for a lighter twist.
Sausage Meatball Soup: Use Italian sausage instead of beef or chicken for a bold flavor.

serving suggestions

Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete meal.
Add a side salad for freshness and balance.
Pair with lingonberry jam on the side for a true Swedish-inspired touch.

storing leftovers

Store cooled soup in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove. For freezing, omit the noodles (add fresh when reheating) and freeze for up to 2 months.

Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup – Creamy Comfort in a Bowl