There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty casserole, and the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a perfect example of this. This dish combines the classic flavors of Swedish meatballs with tender egg noodles, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with melted Swiss cheese. It’s a meal that brings back fond memories of cozy family dinners and gatherings, where everyone would eagerly come to the table for a taste of this delicious bake. The savory meatballs, creamy sauce, and cheesy topping make it an irresistible dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 large egg, beaten
½ cup breadcrumbs
½ onion, grated
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Casserole:
2 ½ cups egg noodles
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 pint heavy cream
1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, grated
Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Meatballs
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set it aside. This will ensure your casserole doesn’t stick to the dish and makes for easier serving and cleanup.
Combine Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 beaten egg, ½ grated onion, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Form the Meatballs:
Scoop and roll the meat mixture into 1 ½ tablespoon-sized balls. This size is perfect for the casserole, ensuring they cook evenly and fit nicely with the noodles.
Brown the Meatballs:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs until they are browned on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.
Preparing the Noodles and Sauce
Cook the Egg Noodles:
While the meatballs are browning, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 ½ cups of egg noodles and cook them for 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate. This will ensure they don’t overcook in the oven. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet you used for the meatballs, add 1 cup beef broth, 1 pint heavy cream, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these add incredible flavor to the sauce. Let the mixture simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from the heat once the sauce is ready.
Assembling the Casserole
Combine Noodles and Meatballs:
In the prepared 9 x 13-inch baking dish, spread the cooked egg noodles evenly. Arrange the browned meatballs on top of the noodles. This layering ensures every bite has a bit of noodle, meatball, and sauce.
Add the Sauce:
Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the noodles and meatballs. Make sure the sauce covers everything well to keep the bake moist and flavorful.
Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of grated Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt beautifully in the oven, creating a golden, bubbly crust.
Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The bake should be heated through, and the edges slightly golden brown.
Let it Rest:
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the casserole to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
Serving
Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle the casserole with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. The parsley adds a lovely contrast to the rich, creamy dish.
Enjoy:
Serve the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake warm, and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Variations and Substitutions
Meat Options: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a mixture of beef and pork for a different flavor profile.
Breadcrumbs: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Cheese: If Swiss cheese isn’t your favorite, try using mozzarella, cheddar, or a cheese blend that melts well.
Cream: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream for a lighter version.
Conclusion
The Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Its appeal lies in the rich, creamy sauce, tender meatballs, and the perfect combination of noodles and melted cheese. The recipe is straightforward, yet it delivers a complex flavor that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The versatility of this dish means you can easily adapt it to suit different tastes and dietary needs, ensuring it’s a hit with everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a potluck dinner, this casserole is sure to impress and become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
