Hearty Swedish Meatball Soup: A Beginner’s Guide to Comfort and Flavor

When I first ventured into cooking, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of many recipes, often wondering if I’d ever be able to make something that felt as comforting and flavorful as the dishes I enjoyed in restaurants. That was before I found a recipe for Swedish Meatball Soup—a dish that quickly became a family favorite. Hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, it’s the perfect introduction to cooking homemade soups.

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What makes this recipe ideal for beginners is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to master it, and with a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish that feels special. The combination of homemade chicken meatballs, a rich, savory broth, and rice makes it a well-rounded, delicious meal that warms you from the inside out. And the best part? This recipe comes with tips and steps that will ensure your success, even if you’re new to cooking.

Let’s dive into this beginner-friendly, hearty Swedish Meatball Soup.

Ingredients and Preparation

This recipe has two main components: the Swedish meatballs and the soup base. Let’s break down the ingredients and how you can easily prep them.

For the Swedish Meatballs:

• 3 slices of Ezekiel bread (or any bread of choice), very well toasted
• 1/4 cup unsweetened milk of choice
• 1-1/2 lbs ground chicken or turkey (substitute with beef if you prefer)
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 2 tablespoons ghee (or clarified butter)
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 4 cups chicken bone broth (vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version)
• 3 tablespoons Arrowroot powder or cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1/4 cup coconut aminos, tamari, Braggs liquid aminos, or low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 can (15 oz) unsweetened coconut milk (or milk of choice)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup brown rice (any variety of rice will work, but brown rice gives it a hearty texture)
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, for garnish
• Red pepper flakes (optional, if you prefer a bit of heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this soup is straightforward, and while there are a few steps, they are simple and manageable. Here’s how to make your Hearty Swedish Meatball Soup from start to finish:

1. Prepare the Meatballs: Begin by placing the 3 slices of bread in a medium bowl and soaking them with the milk. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the liquid and soften.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: While the bread is soaking, in a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken or turkey, the egg, smoked paprika, dry mustard powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until it’s evenly combined. If you’re using beef instead of chicken, the process is the same.
3. Add the Soaked Bread: After 10 minutes, drain the milk from the bread and discard it. Gently squeeze the bread to remove any remaining moisture. Add the soaked bread to the meat mixture and continue mixing everything thoroughly until well-combined.
4. Form the Meatballs: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should be able to make 14-16 meatballs, depending on the size.
5. Cook the Meatballs: Heat your olive oil and ghee together in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the pot. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes, turning them gently to ensure they are golden brown on all sides and mostly cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot—cook the meatballs in batches if necessary. Once they’re done, remove them from the pot and set them aside.
6. Sauté the Onion: In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This will add extra flavor to the broth.
7. Prepare the Thickening Mixture: While the onions cook, whisk the Arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) with a few tablespoons of the bone broth in a small bowl until it’s smooth with no lumps.
8. Combine the Broth and Ingredients: Once the onions are soft, add the remaining chicken bone broth to the pot. Pour in the coconut aminos, Dijon mustard, coconut milk, and apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
9. Cook the Rice: Add the brown rice to the pot and bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
10. Add the Thickening Mixture: Once the rice is cooked, slowly pour in the Arrowroot mixture, stirring constantly. This will help thicken the soup and create a rich, creamy texture. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes on low heat to let the thickening agent do its work.
11. Final Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with sea salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if you like a little extra heat.
12. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hearty soup into bowls and enjoy the comforting, flavorful meal you’ve just created.

Beginner Tips and Notes

As a beginner, it’s helpful to anticipate some common challenges and learn how to handle them. Here are a few tips that will make this recipe even easier to follow:

1. Avoid Overcooking the Meatballs: When cooking the meatballs, they should be golden brown on the outside but not dry on the inside. If they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat and give them more time to cook through. The key is to gently cook them to avoid burning the outside while ensuring they’re cooked all the way through.
2. Rice Can Stick to the Bottom: Brown rice can sometimes stick to the bottom of the pot, so be sure to stir the soup every 5 minutes or so while it simmers. This prevents the rice from burning and ensures even cooking.
3. Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thinner soup, you can adjust the amount of Arrowroot powder or cornstarch you use. Start with less and add more if needed, but remember, the soup will thicken slightly as it simmers.
4. Flexible Ingredients: You can use different types of bread if Ezekiel isn’t available. Any sturdy, whole-grain bread will work. Similarly, if you don’t have coconut aminos, tamari or soy sauce will provide a similar savory flavor.
5. Freezing the Soup: This soup freezes beautifully! If you have leftovers, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers and store in the freezer for up to three months.

Serving Suggestions

This Swedish Meatball Soup is hearty and satisfying on its own, but there are a few ways to elevate the dish with simple sides and garnishes:

1. Side Salad: Pair your soup with a light, refreshing side salad of mixed greens, cucumber, and a simple vinaigrette. The freshness will balance the richness of the soup.
2. Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping. A warm, hearty bread works wonderfully to soak up the flavorful broth.
3. Roasted Vegetables: For an extra dose of veggies, serve your soup with a side of roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. They add sweetness and texture to complement the savory soup.
4. Cheese: If you enjoy cheese, a sprinkle of grated parmesan or a dollop of sour cream can add richness and creaminess to the dish.

Engagement Features

Cooking can feel intimidating at first, but this recipe proves that with just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can create a comforting, hearty meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility, allowing you to adjust it to your tastes and dietary preferences. I encourage you to give it a try, whether it’s for a cozy dinner at home or a comforting lunch for the whole family.

Have you made this Swedish Meatball Soup before? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below. Did you make any tweaks to the recipe? How did it turn out? Share your thoughts and let’s inspire each other to keep cooking and exploring new recipes. Happy cooking!