Description:
This comforting Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a delicious fusion of Swedish meatballs, creamy sauce, and tender egg noodles. It’s the perfect dinner for a cozy night in, combining savory flavors and hearty ingredients into a single casserole. The creamy sauce paired with perfectly seasoned meatballs and baked with noodles makes it an irresistible family favorite.
Origin:
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is inspired by traditional Swedish meatballs, which are commonly served with potatoes or pasta. The idea of turning this dish into a bake is a more modern and convenient take, often popular in American kitchens for its ease of preparation and comforting nature.
Ingredients:
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or a mix of ground beef and pork
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg (optional, for that Swedish flavor)
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 8 oz (225g) egg noodles, cooked al dente
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Optional Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds extra depth of flavor)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (to add creaminess to the sauce)
- 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese (for a cheesier crust)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef/pork mix), breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, garlic, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Mix until just combined, then form small meatballs (about 1-inch in diameter).
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a little bit of oil. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning them to ensure they cook evenly on all sides (about 5-7 minutes per batch).
- Remove the meatballs and set them aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk continuously to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking until smooth. Then add the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked noodles, then place the browned meatballs over them.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the meatballs and noodles, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Bake:
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan (and mozzarella, if using) over the top of the bake.
- Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for added color and freshness. Serve hot!
Tips for Success:
- Don’t overwork the meat mixture when forming meatballs—this will help keep them tender.
- Brown the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which ensures even cooking.
- If you want extra flavor, feel free to add a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of dried thyme to the sauce.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to make slicing easier.
Recommendations:
- Pair this Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables on the side to balance the richness of the dish.
- For a slightly lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef and pork.
- Try adding some sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy depth of flavor.
Nutrition (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 550-650 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
Nutrition can vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.
Enjoy your Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake tonight! It’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
