Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
Why Make This Recipe?
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake combines the rich, creamy flavors of Swedish meatballs with tender noodles baked to perfection. It’s a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Recipe Overview
- Servings: 6-8
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Cooling Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour
How to Make Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef ????
- ½ lb ground pork ????
- 1 egg ????
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk ????
- 1 small onion, finely chopped ????
- 1 tsp garlic powder ????
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter ????
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth ????
- 1 cup heavy cream ????
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce ????
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Bake:
- 12 oz egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions ????
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese ????
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese ????
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish) ????
Directions
- Prepare the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic powder, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Make the Sauce
- While the meatballs bake, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the beef broth until smooth.
- Add the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Combine the Meatballs and Sauce
- Add the baked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Assemble the Noodle Bake
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the cooked egg noodles evenly. Pour the meatball and sauce mixture over the noodles.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How to Serve Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
Serve this casserole hot with a side of steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze the fully assembled (but unbaked) casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
Tips to Make Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts better and adds more flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Slightly undercook them since they’ll cook further in the oven.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Variations
- Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork for a lighter option.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the meatballs with plant-based meat or roasted vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat.
Tips for Success
- Even Meatball Size: Use a small cookie scoop to ensure uniform meatballs for even cooking.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water).
- Golden Cheese: Broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end for a golden, bubbly top.
How Many Servings?
This recipe serves 6-8 people as a main dish.
Calories and Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~500
- Protein: ~30g
- Fats: ~22g
- Saturated Fats: ~11g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sodium: ~850mg
Health Benefits of Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
- Protein-Rich: The meatballs provide a good source of protein for muscle repair and overall health.
- Comforting Carbs: Egg noodles supply energy and promote a feeling of fullness.
- Rich in Calcium: The cheeses and cream add calcium, essential for strong bones.
Is It Good for People Over 60 Years Old?
Yes, with adjustments:
- Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium beef broth and reduce the added salt in the recipe.
- Lean Meat Option: Choose ground turkey or chicken for lighter meatballs.
- Easy to Chew: The tender meatballs and soft noodles make this dish gentle on teeth and digestion.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Yes, you can use frozen or pre-made meatballs to save time. Just make sure to cook them according to package instructions before adding to the sauce.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or even spaghetti work well in this casserole.
3. How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs, cornstarch instead of flour for the sauce, and gluten-free pasta.
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a delicious and comforting meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish delivers the creamy, hearty flavors everyone loves. Try it today and enjoy the best of comfort food!
