If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and irresistibly rich, this Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine tender, spiced meatballs nestled in a luscious, velvety sauce, perfectly mingling with al dente egg noodles and a golden mozzarella topping that melts into every bite. It’s a cozy twist on classic Swedish meatballs that transforms into a hearty noodle bake, perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings. This dish brings together simple ingredients in a way that creates big, bold flavors and tons of comfort all in one satisfying casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is like having a ticket to flavor town. Each one plays an essential role, blending beautifully to create the perfect texture, taste, and color that make this dish truly special and utterly comforting.
- Olive oil: Provides the perfect base for sautéing your aromatics, adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Small onion (finely chopped): Brings a natural sweetness and depth to the flavor of the meatballs and sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Adds a fragrant punch that elevates the savory elements of the recipe.
- Ground beef: Offers a juicy and hearty foundation for the meatballs.
- Ground pork: Adds extra moisture and tenderness to create perfectly textured meatballs.
- Plain breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs together while keeping them tender.
- Milk: Moisturizes the breadcrumbs, making the meatballs soft and juicy.
- Egg: Acts as a natural binder to keep everything perfectly shaped.
- Salt: Enhances all the underlying flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and earthiness.
- Ground allspice: Provides that classic Swedish meatball warmth, teasing your palate with fragrant spice.
- Ground nutmeg: Lends a gentle, nutty sweetness that ties the spices together beautifully.
- Egg noodles: The comfort-food canvas that soaks up all the delicious sauce and carries the meatballs perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: For making a creamy roux that thickens your sauce with lush richness.
- All-purpose flour: Combines with butter to create the base for a silky, thickened sauce.
- Beef broth: Infuses the sauce with savory meatiness, building layers of flavor.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the sauce, balancing the richness.
- Heavy cream: Brings indulgent smoothness that makes the sauce irresistibly velvety.
- Worcestershire sauce: Gives a subtle umami boost that deepens the savory profile.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top for a bubbly, golden crust.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Offers a fresh, herbaceous pop of color and flavor at the finish.
How to Make Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Meatballs
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing your baking dish so nothing sticks during the final bake. Next, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped onion until softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes, then add the minced garlic for just 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning. After allowing this mix to cool slightly, combine it in a large bowl with ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix gently but thoroughly, then form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through, locking in all those savory juices.
Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles
While the meatballs are baking, cook your egg noodles according to the package instructions until tender but still firm to the bite. Drain them well and set aside. These noodles are going to soak up the creamy, savory sauce and meld with the meatballs, so make sure not to overcook them – al dente is the way to go.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and then whisk in the flour to make a roux, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour flavor. Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let this mixture simmer and thicken to a luscious gravy. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in sour cream, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and warmed through – this creates that irresistible creamy base that defines the dish.
Step 4: Combine and Bake the Casserole
In your greased baking dish, gently combine the cooked noodles, baked meatballs, and creamy sauce, stirring just enough to evenly coat everything without breaking up the meatballs. Spread the mixture evenly, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. Pop it into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the dish is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden brown. For the final touch, sprinkle on chopped fresh parsley before serving to brighten the flavors and add a pop of fresh color.
How to Serve Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a wonderful garnish that adds color and a light herbaceous note to balance the richness. For an extra layer of flavor, you can sprinkle a little freshly grated Parmesan or cracked black pepper atop the casserole just before serving. These simple touches elevate the presentation and add subtle complexity to each bite.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans for subtle crunch. Roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or asparagus also complement the creamy texture and rich flavors of the bake, making for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets to create a restaurant-style experience at home. You can also layer the meatballs, noodles, and sauce in a clear glass baking dish for a visually stunning presentation that shows off all the luscious layers before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the casserole has cooled to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish either before baking or after it’s fully cooked. If freezing before baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When freezing after baking, let the bake cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in a baking dish covered with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings, but be careful not to overheat and dry out the dish. Adding a splash of cream or broth can help restore creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat for the meatballs?
Absolutely! While traditional Swedish meatballs often use a mix of beef and pork, you can substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may require a touch more moisture to keep the meatballs tender.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the plain breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free all-purpose flour for the sauce roux. Just ensure your beef broth is gluten-free as well to keep everything safe.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Definitely. You can make and bake the meatballs a day or two ahead, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to assemble and bake the whole casserole. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
What can I substitute for sour cream if I don’t have any?
Greek yogurt makes a fantastic substitute for sour cream, offering a similar tang and creaminess. Just stir it in gently at the end of sauce preparation to avoid curdling.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
Cooking the noodles just until al dente and draining them thoroughly will help prevent sogginess. Also, avoid overmixing the casserole with the sauce and meatballs to maintain the noodles’ texture through baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so utterly satisfying about this Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe that keeps you coming back for more. It’s cozy, delicious, and straightforward to prepare, making it the perfect dish to share with family and friends. Whether you’re new to Swedish comfort food or a longtime fan, this noodle bake brings warmth and joy to the table every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own special classic!
Print
Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish-American
Description
This Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a comforting and hearty casserole combining tender homemade Swedish meatballs with egg noodles in a rich, creamy sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh parsley. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner, this bake brings classic Swedish flavors to an easy-to-make oven dish.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pasta
- 12 ounces egg noodles
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Make meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, sautéed onion and garlic, salt, black pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix well to incorporate. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Cook noodles: While the meatballs bake, cook egg noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare creamy sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in beef broth and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Reduce heat to low and stir in sour cream, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
- Assemble bake: In the greased baking dish, combine the cooked egg noodles, baked meatballs, and creamy sauce. Gently stir to evenly combine the ingredients.
- Add topping and bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving warm.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking to save time on serving day.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the meatballs.
- Use frozen cooked meatballs to shorten preparation time.
- For a dairy-free version, replace sour cream and heavy cream with alternatives like coconut cream and omit the cheese.
- Ensure meatballs are cooked through before combining to guarantee food safety.
