Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy, family-friendly dinner that delivers big comfort with minimal fuss, this Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is your new go-to. Imagine tender meatballs nestled in a creamy, savory sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked egg noodles and crowned with melted cheese. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining classic Scandinavian flavors with the irresistible appeal of a noodle casserole. Whether you’re planning a weeknight meal or hosting friends, this bake brings everyone to the table with smiles and empty plates.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake plays an important role, from the aromatic spices to the creamy sauce. You’ll find that a simple mix of pantry staples and a few fresh touches create layers of flavor, texture, and that signature golden top.
- Egg Noodles (12 oz): These wide, tender noodles are the perfect base for soaking up all the creamy sauce.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps sauté the onion and garlic for that essential savory foundation.
- Small Onion, finely chopped (1): Brings sweetness and depth to the meatballs and sauce.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Lends a subtle, aromatic kick that makes the whole dish pop.
- Ground Beef or Beef & Pork Mix (1 lb): The heart of the meatballs, giving them juiciness and flavor.
- Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup): Helps the meatballs hold together and stay tender.
- Egg (1): Binds the meatball mixture for perfect texture.
- Allspice (1/2 teaspoon): Traditional Swedish spice adding warmth and complexity.
- Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a gentle hint of sweetness and depth.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out all the flavors in every bite.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a touch of heat and balance.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Starts the creamy roux for the luscious sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce so it hugs every noodle and meatball.
- Beef Broth (2 cups): Creates a savory, flavorful base for the sauce.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Adds tanginess and makes the sauce extra creamy.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Gives a punch of umami and depth to the sauce.
- Shredded Mozzarella or Swiss Cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts beautifully for that golden, bubbly topping.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): A fresh sprinkle for color and a pop of herbal flavor.
How to Make Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they’re just al dente. Don’t overcook them – they’ll finish softening in the oven. Drain them well and set aside while you work on the rest of the bake.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant. This simple step lays the flavor foundation for your Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake.
Step 3: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
In a big mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onions and garlic with the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to mix until everything is well incorporated, but don’t overmix. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, for the perfect bite-size pieces.
Step 4: Brown the Meatballs
In the same skillet, working in batches if needed, brown the meatballs on all sides over medium heat. They don’t need to be cooked through at this stage – just get them nicely browned for flavor. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
Melt the butter in your skillet, then sprinkle the flour over the melted butter. Whisk constantly to form a smooth roux, letting it cook for about a minute. Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking all the while to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until it thickens. Off the heat, stir in the sour cream and Worcestershire sauce for that signature creamy tang. Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, gently simmering them in the sauce for five minutes so they soak up all those delicious flavors.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
In a large mixing bowl or directly in your baking dish, combine the cooked noodles, saucy meatballs, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir gently to mix, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Spread the mixture in your baking dish, top with the remaining cheese, and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
How to Serve Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
Garnishes
Just before serving, shower your Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. The bright green color and fresh flavor are the perfect contrast to the creamy, savory casserole. For a little extra flair, you could also add a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of grated nutmeg.
Side Dishes
This bake is hearty enough to be the main event, but it pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Try a crisp cucumber salad, roasted green beans, or classic steamed broccoli to balance the richness. Warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce and makes the meal feel extra cozy.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at a potluck or dinner party, serve your Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake in individual ramekins for a personal touch. For family-style comfort, bake and serve straight from a beautiful casserole dish. You can even portion leftovers into lunch containers for a workday treat that reheats like a dream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake keeps beautifully in the fridge. Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more with time, making it a delicious next-day lunch or quick dinner.
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly, making it ideal for meal prep. Assemble the bake but don’t add the final cheese topping. Wrap tightly in foil or an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the cheese, and bake until hot and bubbly.
Reheating
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F. Cover the bake with foil and warm it for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. For single servings, the microwave works well too – just cover and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring occasionally, until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made meatballs instead of homemade?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, frozen pre-made meatballs are a great shortcut. Just add them to the sauce and bake as directed. The flavor is still fantastic, and dinner comes together even faster.
What’s the best cheese for Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake?
Mozzarella and Swiss both melt beautifully and complement the creamy sauce, but you can mix in a little Gruyère or even cheddar for a stronger flavor. Use what you love or have on hand!
Can I add vegetables to the bake?
Definitely! Sliced mushrooms or baby spinach are delicious additions. Simply sauté them with the onions and garlic, or stir them into the sauce before assembling the bake.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is perfect for prepping ahead. You can assemble the entire dish up to a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake when ready. It also freezes well for longer storage.
Can I use a different type Main Course
Egg noodles are classic for this bake, but you can swap in rotini, penne, or even fettuccine if that’s what you have. Just be sure to cook pasta al dente so it holds up in the oven.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing a bubbling pan of Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake with friends or family. It’s cozy, satisfying, and just a little bit special. Give this recipe a try the next time you crave comfort food, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a beloved favorite in your own kitchen, too!
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Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake featuring tender meatballs in a creamy sauce with egg noodles and melted cheese, perfect for a family dinner or cozy meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare noodles: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make meatball mixture: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. In a large bowl, combine the sautéed onion and garlic with ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and form into small meatballs.
- Brown meatballs: In the same skillet, cook the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked through). Remove and set aside.
- Make sauce: Melt the butter in the skillet, then whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute, then slowly add the beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until thickened. Stir in sour cream and Worcestershire sauce. Return the meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine and bake: In a large mixing bowl or baking dish, combine the cooked noodles, meatballs with sauce, and half the cheese. Stir to combine, then top with remaining cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use frozen pre-made meatballs for a shortcut—just add them to the sauce and bake until heated through.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
