If you’re longing for the comfort of creamy noodles and the irresistible flavor of Swedish meatballs, this Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake might just be your new favorite weeknight wonder. Imagine tender meatballs, nestled in a blanket of buttery egg noodles, all smothered in a velvety sour cream sauce and bubbling cheese. This dish manages to marry the classic coziness of a Midwest casserole with the warming spices of a beloved Scandinavian staple, delivering a family-friendly meal that’s pure comfort in every forkful. Whether you’re planning a casual Sunday dinner or want to treat yourself after a busy day, the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is hearty, nostalgic, and guaranteed to gather smiles around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather just a handful of pantry basics, and you’re ready to bring this casserole to life. Every ingredient adds something special—juicy meat, creamy richness, or a touch of spice—to make this Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake truly memorable.
- Ground Beef: Brings a hearty, savory foundation and classic meatball flavor.
- Ground Pork: Lends richness and juiciness; you’ll taste the difference in every bite!
- Breadcrumbs: Hold the meatballs together while keeping them light and tender.
- Onion: Finely chopped for subtle sweetness and extra flavor depth.
- Egg: Acts as a binder so your meatballs don’t crumble apart.
- Milk: Softens the breadcrumbs for ultra-moist, tender meatballs.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer; don’t skip it.
- Pepper: A touch of spice to balance the rich flavors.
- Allspice: Adds warmth and that unmistakable Swedish touch.
- Nutmeg: Lends subtle nutty-sweet undertones, making the meatballs special.
- Egg Noodles: Their golden color and broad shape soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Butter: Melts into the silky sauce and enriches the whole dish.
- All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce to just the right consistency.
- Beef Broth: Forms the backbone of the creamy, savory gravy.
- Sour Cream: Brings luxurious creaminess and a whisper of tang.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Deepens the umami and gives a savory edge.
- Shredded Mozzarella or Swiss Cheese: Melts into a golden blanket atop the bake.
- Chopped Parsley: For a pop of fresh color and light herbal flavor at the end.
How to Make Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
Start by combining the ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, milk, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands (yes, it’s a bit messy but worth it!) to gently mix everything until just combined. Then, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs—we’re aiming for bite-sized pieces that nestle perfectly with noodles later.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium and brown the meatballs in batches, turning gently to get all sides golden and cooked through. Don’t rush this step—the browning builds rich, caramelized flavor that makes the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake so good. Set those beauties aside for the moment.
Step 3: Cook the Egg Noodles
While the meatballs brown, cook your egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them and set aside; they’ll be the bed on which everything else gets layered.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet (hello, less dishes!), melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour. Let this bubble for about a minute to cook out any raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly for a silky-smooth result. Stir in sour cream and Worcestershire sauce, cooking until the sauce is thickened and creamy. Season to taste with extra salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Now, in a big bowl, combine the cooked noodles, meatballs, and luscious sauce. Toss gently so everything gets coated. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, sprinkle your shredded cheese over the top, and pop the dish in a 375°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes. When the cheese is bubbly and golden, your Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is ready to wow!
How to Serve Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
Garnishes
A shower of freshly chopped parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds a burst of color and a welcome freshness against all that creamy, cheesy comfort. If you want more, try a few grinds of black pepper or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
Side Dishes
To make your meal complete, serve your Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake with a crisp green salad or simple steamed green beans. Buttery garlic bread or some roasted carrots are also wonderful choices that soak up any extra sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For family style, bring the casserole straight to the table in its baking dish, letting everyone dig in for seconds. Or, portion into ramekins for individual bakes—adorable and perfect for potlucks or dinner parties. You could even scoop the bake into hollowed bell peppers, then bake again for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making for quite possibly the best lunch you’ll have all week!
Freezing
Let the bake cool completely, then wrap tightly or transfer to a freezer-safe dish. It keeps wonderfully for up to 2 months. You can freeze individual portions or the whole casserole—just mark the date so you remember to enjoy it soon.
Reheating
Reheat portions gently in the microwave, or cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until bubbly. A splash of milk or broth stirred in before heating helps revive the sauce if it’s thickened up.
FAQs
Can I use only ground beef instead of a mix of beef and pork?
Absolutely! Using all ground beef will still give you great results, though the blend of pork adds extra juiciness and depth. If you go all beef, just keep an eye out while baking so the meatballs don’t dry out.
Is there a substitute for sour cream?
You can swap in full-fat Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for a tart, creamy finish—just avoid nonfat options, as they may curdle or turn watery during baking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake right up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s going straight from the fridge.
What kind of cheese works best?
Mozzarella melts beautifully and is mild enough to let the other flavors shine, while Swiss adds a nutty edge that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce. Feel free to use your favorite, or a mix!
Can I use frozen meatballs instead?
Yes, in a pinch, frozen cooked meatballs save time and still taste delicious. Just make sure they’re thawed and heated through before mixing into the casserole.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort food that delivers big on flavor and family-friendly joy, give this Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake a spot in your regular dinner rotation. It’s the ultimate cozy meal—easy enough for a Monday but special enough to share with friends. Grab those ingredients and discover just how delicious a hearty bake can be!
Print
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake, a hearty dish that combines tender meatballs, creamy sauce, and pasta in a delightful casserole.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
For the Casserole:
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, milk, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Form into 1-inch meatballs. Cook in batches until browned.
- Cook the Noodles and Make the Sauce: Cook noodles; set aside. Melt butter in a skillet, whisk in flour, then gradually add beef broth. Stir in sour cream and Worcestershire sauce until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble and Bake: Combine noodles, meatballs, and sauce. Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake for 20–25 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Make ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version, or use frozen meatballs in a pinch.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
