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
Scale
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.
