If you’re craving a comforting dish that brings together hearty flavors and creamy textures, this Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs nestled on a bed of buttery egg noodles, all smothered in a luscious, savory cream sauce and crowned with melted Swiss cheese. It’s an irresistible combination that delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite, making it a perfect family dinner or a cozy treat any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients, each adding something special to the final dish. From the fragrant nutmeg in the meatballs to the richness of heavy cream in the sauce, every component plays a role in creating a perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color.
- Olive oil: For browning the meatballs to a golden crust and adding subtle richness.
- Ground beef: The hearty base of the meatballs that brings juicy, savory flavor.
- Large egg, beaten: Binds the meatball mixture for a tender texture.
- Breadcrumbs: Keeps meatballs light and helps hold their shape during cooking.
- Half an onion, grated: Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the meatballs.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the meatballs with warm, aromatic depth.
- Ground nutmeg: Delivers a classic Swedish spice note that elevates the meatballs.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors for a perfectly seasoned bite.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Brings mild heat and brightness.
- Egg noodles: The soft, buttery base that perfectly complements the meatballs and sauce.
- Beef broth: Builds savory richness in the cream sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, umami punch to brighten the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously creamy texture of the sauce.
- Swiss cheese, grated: Melts beautifully on top for a golden, bubbly finish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, herbaceous garnish to contrast the rich bake.
How to Make Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This simple prep sets the stage for an easy bake and ensures nothing sticks, letting those beautiful browned edges form perfectly.
Step 2: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
In a bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated onion, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mixing all these ingredients carefully ensures the classic flavors of this Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe shine through. Roll the mixture into 1 ½ tablespoon-sized meatballs — uniform pieces help them cook evenly.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully add the meatballs. Cook them until they’re beautifully browned on all sides. This step locks in flavor and adds a lovely texture contrast. Once done, set them aside — they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
Step 4: Cook the Egg Noodles
Boil the egg noodles in salted water, but stop cooking two minutes earlier than the package instructions. This keeps them firm enough to hold up during baking without becoming mushy, creating the perfect base for your Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet you browned the meatballs, add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly, absorbing all those savory, tangy notes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce is the heart of your bake, so be sure to taste as you go!
Step 6: Assemble the Bake
Layer the cooked noodles evenly in your prepared baking dish. Arrange the browned meatballs over the noodles, then pour the creamy sauce all over, making sure every bite is coated. Finally, sprinkle the grated Swiss cheese generously on top — this will melt into a gorgeous golden crust as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown. Once out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes; this allows the bake to settle and makes serving easier.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish your Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe with fresh chopped parsley right before serving to add a burst of color and freshness that cuts through the richness, creating a delightful balance in every spoonful.
How to Serve Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding chopped fresh parsley is classic, but you can also try a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy touch or a few sprigs of thyme to introduce a subtle earthy aroma. These small touches elevate your serving presentation and flavor profile with minimal effort.
Side Dishes
This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe is substantial on its own, but fresh green salads or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli make excellent complements. A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette also cuts through the richness of the bake, providing a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style straight from the baking dish for a cozy dinner vibe, or portion it onto individual plates and drizzle a bit of extra Worcestershire sauce or a squeeze of lemon to add brightness. For a casual gathering, try spooning it over roasted vegetables or layering it with mashed potatoes in a casserole dish for a twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This bake keeps its flavors beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead meal that tastes just as comforting the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe either before or after baking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, then store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil to keep the cheese from over-browning. If reheating smaller portions, the microwave works well—heat in short bursts to maintain texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional here, ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of pork and beef also work well if you want to switch things up or prefer a leaner option.
What type of cheese can I substitute for Swiss cheese?
If you can’t find Swiss cheese, Gruyere or mozzarella are great alternatives. They both melt nicely and add their own unique flavor notes that complement the sauce beautifully.
Is it necessary to brown the meatballs before baking?
Browning the meatballs adds extra flavor and texture, creating a delicious crust. While you can skip this step to save time, the dish won’t have quite the same depth of flavor or appearance.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free egg noodles or pasta. Just be sure your Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free to keep the dish completely free from gluten.
How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?
Cooking the noodles for a couple of minutes less than the package instructions helps them stay firm during baking. Also, draining them well and not over-soaking in the sauce will keep them perfectly textured.
Final Thoughts
This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that offers comfort, simplicity, and incredible flavor all in one dish. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or sharing a meal with friends, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite. Give it a try—you’ll love how it brings warmth and joy to your table!
Print
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Description
A comforting and hearty Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake featuring tender homemade meatballs simmered in a rich cream and beef broth sauce, layered over egg noodles, and topped with melted Swiss cheese. This one-dish meal is perfect for family dinners, combining classic Scandinavian flavors with the ease of a baked casserole.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ onion, grated
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Pasta & Sauce
- 2 ½ cups egg noodles
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, grated
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated onion, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly, then form the mixture into meatballs about 1 ½ tablespoons each.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides, ensuring they have a nice crust. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook Noodles: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles for 2 minutes less than the package instructions indicate. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking in the bake.
- Prepare the Sauce: Using the same skillet (no need to clean it), pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble & Bake: Spread the cooked egg noodles evenly into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the browned meatballs on top of the noodles. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the meatballs and noodles, then sprinkle generously with grated Swiss cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and is bubbly with some golden spots. Once done, remove from oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to set.
- Serve: Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with a mix of beef and pork for a richer flavor.
- If you prefer, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
- The sauce can be thickened further by simmering longer or adding a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy plant-based milk alternative.
