The Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe is a cozy and comforting dish that combines tender, flavorful meatballs with creamy sauce and perfectly cooked egg noodles all baked together under a golden, melted Swiss cheese crust. This casserole takes the classic flavors of Swedish meatballs and transforms them into an easy, family-friendly bake that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Each bite offers a warm and satisfying experience, balancing savory, creamy, and subtly spiced notes in a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to deliver that authentic Swedish meatball experience while keeping the dish hearty and rich. These essentials work together to build layers of flavor, a creamy texture, and a visually inviting presentation.
- Olive oil: For browning the meatballs and adding a gentle richness.
- Ground beef: The main protein that forms tender, juicy meatballs.
- Large egg, beaten: Binds the meatball mixture for perfect shape and texture.
- Breadcrumbs: Adds lightness and holds the meatballs together without heaviness.
- Onion, grated: Infuses subtle sweetness and moisture into the meatballs.
- Garlic powder: Delivers a warm, inviting depth of flavor.
- Ground nutmeg: Provides a hallmark Swedish spiced note that’s delicately aromatic.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every element.
- Egg noodles: The tender pasta base that absorbs the delicious sauce beautifully.
- Beef broth: Builds the sauce’s savory foundation and complements the meatballs.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami complexity and a tangy boost.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety sauce that coats the noodles and meatballs.
- Swiss cheese, grated: Melts into a bubbly, golden topping that crowns the bake.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a bright, fresh pop of color and flavor when serving.
How to Make Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by warming your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and ready for the bake. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using nonstick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier later on.
Step 2: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated onion, garlic powder, nutmeg, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overworking the meat for tender meatballs. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 ½ tablespoons each, so they cook evenly and fit perfectly in your dish.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs to Perfection
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the meatballs and cook until they develop a beautiful brown sear on all sides. This caramelization adds flavor and seals in the juices, resulting in tender, flavorful bites. Remove and set aside once browned.
Step 4: Cook the Egg Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles until they are about two minutes shy of al dente, ensuring they won’t get mushy during baking. Drain well and set aside, ready to absorb the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Simmer the Creamy Sauce
Using the same skillet, pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This process lets the sauce thicken slightly and concentrate in flavor. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Assemble Your Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe
Spread the cooked noodles evenly across your greased baking dish. Top them with the browned meatballs, then pour the creamy sauce all over carefully so it coats everything. Finish by sprinkling the grated Swiss cheese on top, setting the stage for a gorgeous melted layer.
Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become bubbly with a light golden crust. Once done, let the bake rest for 5 minutes out of the oven, giving it time to settle for easier serving.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish off with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Now, serve warm and enjoy all the cozy, creamy, and savory goodness in each comforting bite.
How to Serve Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley not only enhances the dish’s presentation but also balances the richness of the creamy sauce with a lovely herby brightness. For an extra flair, a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes can be delightful.
Side Dishes
This hearty bake pairs perfectly with something light and fresh like a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables such as green beans or asparagus. The freshness contrasts the creamy meatball bake and rounds out the meal nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in small oven-safe ramekins for a personalized touch. You can also turn it into a layered casserole with alternating layers of noodles, meatballs, sauce, and cheese for an impressive visual effect. It’s a versatile recipe that invites creativity in presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Assemble the bake but don’t cook it, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from frozen, adding additional time to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until hot, or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered, until warmed through, then uncover near the end to refresh the melted cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for the meatballs?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a great leaner alternative. Just keep in mind it may be a bit drier, so consider adding a little extra moisture like a splash of milk or an extra egg to keep those meatballs tender.
What kind of noodles work best in this bake?
Egg noodles are ideal because they have a perfect texture and slightly chewy bite that complements the creamy sauce. However, you can also use other short pasta like rotini or penne if you prefer.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free pasta. Just double-check your Worcestershire sauce and broth to ensure they’re gluten-free, too.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Definitely. You can make and brown the meatballs a day or two in advance. Store them refrigerated until ready to assemble the bake. This will save time on a busy night.
How spicy is this Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe?
This dish has a mild, comforting flavor profile with warm spices like nutmeg but no heat. You can always add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy some spiciness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so heartwarming about the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe that makes it an instant favorite in any household. It’s easy to prepare, satisfying to eat, and the kind of dish that feels like a big, cozy hug in meal form. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and share it with those you love – it’s bound to become a go-to comfort food that brings smiles all around.
Print
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Description
This comforting Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake combines tender homemade meatballs with creamy sauce, egg noodles, and melted Swiss cheese, baked to bubbly perfection. A delicious and hearty twist on classic Swedish meatballs, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Noodles & Sauce
- 2 ½ cups egg noodles
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, grated
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prepare for assembling the casserole.
- Make the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated onion, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Then, roll the mixture into 1 ½ tablespoon-sized meatballs for even cooking.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. This step seals in flavor. Once browned, remove from heat and set the meatballs aside.
- Cook Noodles: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook for 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate to ensure they do not overcook during baking. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet used for browning the meatballs, add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble & Bake: Spread the cooked noodles evenly in the prepared baking dish. Arrange the browned meatballs evenly on top of the noodles. Pour the creamy sauce over the meatballs and noodles, then sprinkle the grated Swiss cheese over the entire dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. After baking, let the casserole sit for 5 minutes to set before serving.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake!
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the noodles before baking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Ground beef can be substituted with a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor.
- You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate before browning and assembling the casserole.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a cream alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
