Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe

When the winter months settle in, we often crave hearty, comforting meals that provide both warmth and satisfaction. One such dish is the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake—a mouthwatering fusion of traditional Swedish meatballs and the creamy, cheesy delight of a noodle casserole. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something filling yet easy to prepare. With the rich flavors of beef meatballs, a creamy sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a family favorite that brings everyone to the table.

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Making the Swedish Meatballs

The key to perfect Swedish meatballs lies in the seasoning and the balance of ingredients. Here’s how to get them just right:

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix everything together until evenly combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough.

2. Form the Meatballs:
   Once the mixture is well-combined, shape it into small, bite-sized meatballs—about 1 inch in diameter. You can use a spoon to scoop the mixture and roll it between your hands to form uniform balls.

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3. Cook the Meatballs:
   Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Once done, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Noodle Bake

1. Cook the Egg Noodles:
   While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook them until al dente according to the package instructions (usually around 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   In the same skillet used for the meatballs, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the flour to create a roux, and cook for 1 minute, allowing the flour to absorb the butter.

3. Create the Sauce:
   Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine the Noodles and Meatballs:
   In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked egg noodles and meatballs together. Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and mix again.

Step 3: Assembling and Baking the Noodle Bake

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Assemble the Noodle Bake:
   Transfer the noodle and meatball mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, making sure the meatballs are dispersed throughout.

3. Add the Cheese:
   Top the casserole with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring the entire top is covered.

4. Bake:
   Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. This dish is perfect on its own, but it can also be paired with a side of fresh green salad, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Cooking Tips and Variations

• Gluten-Free: To make the dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute the noodles with gluten-free pasta.
• Vegetable Additions: For added nutrition and flavor, consider mixing in vegetables like peas, spinach, or roasted mushrooms to the noodle and meatball mixture.
• Spices: The allspice and nutmeg are key to achieving that authentic Swedish meatball flavor, but feel free to adjust the amounts depending on your taste preferences.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare this dish in advance. Simply assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.

Conclusion

This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake combines the best of two beloved comfort foods: Swedish meatballs and cheesy pasta bake. With tender, flavorful meatballs nestled in a creamy, cheesy sauce, this casserole is sure to be a hit at any dinner table. Whether for a family dinner, special occasion, or potluck, this dish is hearty, satisfying, and easy to prepare. You can adjust the recipe to suit your dietary preferences and serve it with a variety of sides for a complete meal. Enjoy every bite!

Yield: 6

Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe

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When the winter months settle in, we often crave hearty, comforting meals that provide both warmth and satisfaction. One such dish is the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake—a mouthwatering fusion of traditional Swedish meatballs and the creamy, cheesy delight of a noodle casserole. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something filling yet easy to prepare. With the rich flavors of beef meatballs, a creamy sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a family favorite that brings everyone to the table.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs:
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
• For the Bake:
• 12 oz (340g) egg noodles (cooked and drained)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs:

• In a bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, nutmeg, and allspice. Mix until well combined.
• Form mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches, turning to ensure they are golden brown on all sides. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

2. Prepare the Bake:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the cooked egg noodles to the mixture and stir until well coated.
• Gently fold in the meatballs.

3. Assemble:

• Transfer the noodle and meatball mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
• Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top of the casserole.

4. Bake:

• Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

5. Serve:

• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

You can use frozen meatballs instead of making your own if you're short on time, but homemade meatballs add a nice touch of flavor.

Feel free to add extra vegetables, like peas or mushrooms, to the casserole for added flavor and nutrition.

This dish can be made ahead of time. Simply assemble it, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes if baking from cold.

If you prefer a spicier version, try adding a bit of hot sauce or chili flakes to the sour cream mixture.