Easy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

Let’s dive into a dish that combines the comforting flavors of Swedish meatballs with the heartiness of a noodle casserole. Introducing the Easy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake, a savory and creamy delight that brings a touch of Scandinavian comfort to your table.

I first stumbled upon the idea of this dish when my family and I visited a cozy Swedish bistro. The meatballs were tender, the gravy was rich, and the noodles added a satisfying bite. When we got home, I couldn’t wait to recreate this experience. After a few tweaks and adjustments, this Easy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake became a favorite in our household. The blend of savory meatballs, creamy sauce, and tender noodles is truly irresistible.

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and the depth of flavor. The meatballs are seasoned to perfection, the gravy is rich and creamy, and the noodles provide the perfect base. It’s a dish that warms you from the inside out and makes any meal feel like a special occasion.

Quick Overview: A Todd Wilbur-Inspired Summary

Easy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake combines the classic flavors of Swedish meatballs with a creamy noodle casserole. Tender meatballs, rich gravy, and hearty noodles come together in this easy and delicious dish that’s perfect for any dinner table.

A Family Favorite: An Exciting Story

One snowy evening, I decided to surprise my family with a new take on Swedish meatballs. As the meatballs browned and the gravy simmered, the house was filled with mouthwatering aromas. When I pulled the casserole out of the oven, golden and bubbling, I knew it was a hit. My family loved it so much that it quickly became a staple for our cozy, comfort food nights.

Why This Easy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake?

Comforting Classic: A twist on the beloved Swedish meatballs, perfect for family dinners.

Rich and Flavorful: Savory meatballs and creamy sauce create a delicious combination.

Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish a breeze to prepare.

Crowd-Pleaser: A hit with both kids and adults, ideal for gatherings and weeknight meals.

How to Make Easy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
   • Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
   • In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the meatballs and set aside.
2. Cook the Noodles:
   • Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Gravy:
   • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
   • Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Stir in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Bake:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, meatballs, and gravy. Mix until everything is well coated.
   • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese on top.
5. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Tips For Easy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

• Meatballs: For even cooking, make sure the meatballs are uniform in size.
• Gravy: If the gravy is too thick, add a bit more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Noodles: Egg noodles work best, but you can substitute with other pasta types if needed.

Substitutions and Variations

• Meat: Use all beef or a mix of beef and turkey for a different flavor.
• Cheese: Substitute Swiss cheese with mozzarella or Gruyère for a different taste.
• Noodles: Try using whole wheat noodles or gluten-free pasta.

Make a Healthier Version

• Meatballs: Use lean ground meat and reduce the amount of breadcrumbs.
• Gravy: Substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative.
• Noodles: Use whole grain or gluten-free noodles for a healthier option.

And there you have it! Don’t forget to let us know how your Easy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes:

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead and refrigerate them for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Can I use store-bought meatballs? Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use pre-made meatballs.

How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

What can I serve with this dish? This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.

How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer.

How do I adjust the seasoning? Taste the gravy and adjust salt and pepper as needed before combining with noodles and meatballs.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole? Yes, adding peas or sautéed mushrooms can enhance the dish.

What type of ground meat should I use? A combination of beef and pork is traditional, but you can use all beef or a mix with turkey.

Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: Casserole, Weight watchers

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1/2 lb ground pork

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1 egg

• 1/2 teaspoon allspice

• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

• Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Gravy:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 3 cups beef broth

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Bake:

• 8 oz egg noodles

• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

• Prepare the Meatballs:
• In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
• Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
• In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the meatballs and set aside.
• Cook the Noodles:
• Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Make the Gravy:
• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
• Stir in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Assemble the Bake:
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, meatballs, and gravy. Mix until everything is well coated.
• Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese on top.
• Bake:
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve:
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.