Introduction
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a cozy, family-friendly casserole that combines tender, flavorful meatballs, wide egg noodles, and a creamy, savory sauce topped with melted cheese. It’s a comforting one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner with friends.
Origin & Cultural Significance
Swedish meatballs (köttbullar) are a traditional Scandinavian dish, often served with cream sauce and lingonberry jam. This casserole is an Americanized twist, layering the classic flavors with noodles and cheese for a hearty, baked comfort meal that brings Scandinavian tradition to a modern kitchen table.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Meatballs
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp nutmeg or allspice (optional)
Casserole
- 8 oz (225 g) wide egg noodles, cooked al dente
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or sour cream
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Additions
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Frozen peas or spinach for extra veggies
- Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Tips for Success
✔ Don’t overmix meatballs—keeps them tender
✔ Brown meatballs lightly before baking for flavor
✔ Cook noodles just until al dente; they finish cooking in the oven
✔ Stir sauce thoroughly to avoid lumps
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F / 175°C and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make Meatballs
In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg/allspice. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
3. Brown Meatballs
In a skillet over medium heat, cook meatballs until lightly browned on all sides (they will finish cooking in the oven).
4. Prepare Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in beef broth, cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Assemble Casserole
Layer cooked noodles in the baking dish. Add meatballs evenly on top. Pour sauce over everything. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
6. Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
Description
This bake offers tender, flavorful meatballs in a creamy, savory sauce with soft noodles and gooey melted cheese. Each bite is rich, comforting, and perfect for a hearty meal.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fat: 26 g
Conclusion
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a satisfying comfort food dish that combines Scandinavian flavors with the convenience of a baked casserole. It’s family-friendly, filling, and ideal for any cozy dinner.
Serving Suggestions
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed vegetables or roasted carrots
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Healthful Indulgence Tip
Use lean ground beef or turkey and whole-grain noodles to lighten the dish while keeping the creamy, comforting flavor intact.