Introduction
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a comforting, hearty casserole that combines tender meatballs, egg noodles, and a creamy, savory sauce baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy, family-friendly dish that transforms traditional Swedish flavors into a simple, all-in-one meal.
Origin
Swedish meatballs, or köttbullar, trace their origins to Sweden, where they have been a beloved staple since the 18th century. Traditionally served with lingonberry sauce and potatoes, the concept of a meatball bake adapted this classic by combining the flavors with noodles, creating a casserole perfect for home kitchens and busy weeknights.
Cultural Significance
Swedish meatballs symbolize comfort, family gatherings, and the Scandinavian tradition of hearty, home-cooked meals. The noodle bake version reflects modern adaptations, making the dish accessible and convenient while preserving the rich, creamy flavors of the original.
Ingredients and Quantities
Meatballs
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp ground allspice
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 500 ml (2 cups) beef or chicken broth
- 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other
- 250 g (9 oz) egg noodles
- 100 g (1 cup) shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Additions
- Sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor
- Peas or spinach for added vegetables
- A dash of Dijon mustard in the sauce for tang
Tips for Success
- Even Meatballs: Use a small ice cream scoop or spoon to make uniform meatballs so they cook evenly.
- Sauce Consistency: The sauce should be slightly thick to coat noodles without being too runny; adjust with broth or cream as needed.
- Noodles: Slightly undercook noodles before baking—they will continue cooking in the oven.
- Browning: Lightly brown meatballs before baking for extra flavor, but they don’t need to be fully cooked in the pan.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: 180°C (350°F).
- Cook Noodles: Boil egg noodles until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Meatballs:
- Mix breadcrumbs and milk, let sit 5 min.
- Add ground meat, grated onion, egg, spices, salt, and pepper.
- Shape into small meatballs (~1 inch).
- Brown Meatballs (Optional but Recommended): Heat oil in a skillet and lightly brown meatballs on all sides. Remove from pan.
- Make Sauce:
- In the same pan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in broth, then cream.
- Season with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Assemble Bake:
- In a large baking dish, combine cooked noodles, meatballs, and sauce. Mix gently to coat everything evenly.
- Optional: sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake: 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley.
Description
This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is creamy, hearty, and satisfying. Tender, seasoned meatballs nestle in a rich, velvety sauce, coated over soft noodles. The golden top adds a touch of texture, making each bite indulgent yet comforting.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 23 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Sugars: 3 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
Values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion size.
Conclusion
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a cozy, satisfying meal that brings together the classic flavors of Swedish meatballs with a practical, modern twist. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Recommendation
Serve with a light green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day as flavors meld.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While indulgent and creamy, this dish can be made lighter with low-fat cream, whole wheat noodles, or added vegetables. Pairing with a side of steamed greens or a fresh salad ensures a balanced, healthful meal without sacrificing comfort or flavor.