Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake combines the creamy, comforting flavors of classic Swedish meatballs with the hearty satisfaction of a noodle casserole. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, featuring tender meatballs nestled in a rich, creamy sauce with egg noodles, all topped with melty Swiss cheese. It’s the ultimate cozy dinner for family gatherings or weeknight meals.
What makes this dish so special is the combination of savory meatballs infused with warm spices like nutmeg, paired with a velvety sauce made from beef broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce. The casserole is baked to golden perfection, creating a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Perfect Comfort Food: Creamy sauce, tender noodles, and flavorful meatballs make this dish irresistibly cozy.
• One-Dish Wonder: Everything bakes together for an easy, family-friendly dinner.
• Rich and Flavorful: Swiss cheese and the spiced meatballs add depth and richness to every bite.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ onion, grated
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Casserole:
• 2 ½ cups egg noodles
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 pint heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, grated
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Meatballs
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated onion, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls. Repeat with the remaining mixture to form the meatballs.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
1. While the meatballs are browning, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the egg noodles for two minutes less than the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
1. In the same skillet used for the meatballs, add the beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
1. Add the cooked noodles to the prepared baking dish and spread them out evenly.
2. Arrange the browned meatballs over the noodles.
3. Pour the sauce evenly over the pasta and meatballs, ensuring everything is well-coated.
4. Sprinkle the grated Swiss cheese evenly over the top.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
1. Sprinkle the casserole with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
2. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips
• Even-Sized Meatballs: Use a small cookie scoop to ensure uniform meatballs for even cooking.
• Grate Fresh Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg provides a deeper, more aromatic flavor.
• Prevent Overcooked Noodles: Undercooking the noodles slightly ensures they won’t become mushy during baking.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Freezing: Assemble the casserole without baking and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 10 minutes if needed.
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is the perfect dish for cozy nights, offering hearty flavors and creamy textures that the whole family will love. It’s comfort food at its finest!
