If you have ever dreamed of a warm, hearty dish that pulls together all the cozy vibes you crave, the Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Imagine tender, spiced meatballs nestled in a luscious, velvety sauce with egg noodles that soak up every bit of that creamy goodness, all topped with melty cheese and baked to golden perfection. This dish perfectly captures the comforting flavors of traditional Swedish meatballs with the wholesome satisfaction of a baked pasta casserole—ideal for feeding friends, family, or treating yourself to a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet purposeful ingredients. Each component contributes to the delightful texture, rich flavor, and inviting appearance that make this noodle bake absolutely irresistible.
- 12 oz egg noodles: The perfect tender pasta base, soaking up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté aromatics and develop rich depth in the meatballs.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and moisture to the meatball mixture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses savory warmth that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 pound ground beef: A hearty, flavorful base protein for the Swedish meatballs.
- 1/2 pound ground pork: Adds juiciness and tenderness for perfectly balanced meatballs.
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice: The classic spice that brings authentic Swedish flavor to each bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: A subtle hint of warmth that compliments the allspice beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the savory flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to keep things lively.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder, holding the meatball mixture together nicely.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Keeps the meatballs tender and helps with texture.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Used to create the rich roux that thickens the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the beef broth into a luscious gravy.
- 2 cups beef broth: Adds a savory, deep flavor foundation for the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings tangy creaminess for that signature silky Swedish sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds indulgent richness and smooth texture.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Packs umami punch, rounding out the flavors perfectly.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese: Melts into gooey, golden goodness on top.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. This step ensures your noodles hold their shape and don’t become mushy beneath that creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain and set them aside—your base is ready.
Step 2: Prepare the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Then, add minced garlic for just 30 seconds until it’s aromatic but not burnt. This savory flavor base adds an irresistible depth to the meatballs.
Step 3: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the sautéed onion and garlic with ground beef and pork, then sprinkle in the allspice, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Crack in one egg and add breadcrumbs. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so handle with care. This blend ensures each bite bursts with authentic flavor and tender juiciness.
Step 4: Shape and Brown the Meatballs
Shape the meat mixture into small, 1-inch meatballs. Clean out your skillet, melt butter over medium heat, and place the meatballs in the pan. Brown them on all sides for about 6 to 8 minutes until they are mostly cooked through. This step seals in juices and adds that crave-worthy caramelized crust.
Step 5: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce
Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and keep them warm. In the same pan, whisk in flour and cook for about a minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in beef broth while whisking constantly until the mixture simmers and thickens, around 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in sour cream, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce to create the signature creamy consistency that coats every noodle and meatball beautifully.
Step 6: Combine and Bake
Return the meatballs to the pan, letting them simmer gently in the sauce for 5 minutes so flavors meld perfectly. Next, toss the cooked noodles with the meatballs and sauce in a large mixing bowl. Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Scatter the shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese on top and bake uncovered in a 375°F oven for 20 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving so those flavors fully develop.
How to Serve Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley works wonders for adding a fresh, vibrant touch that cuts through the richness beautifully. Not only does it brighten up the plate visually, but it also adds a lovely herbal note to this decadent dish.
Side Dishes
Serve this creamy casserole alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the meatballs. Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables, like green beans or broccoli, also complement this dish nicely without overwhelming those luscious flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in mini casserole dishes or ramekins—perfect for dinner parties or cozy date nights. You can also turn it into a layered meal by adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions between noodle layers for an extra burst of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This bake stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making your leftovers just as delicious—if not better—the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool the dish completely before freezing to retain the creamy sauce’s texture and keep the meatballs tender.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through. If the sauce feels too thick after reheating, add a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen it up and regain that perfect silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought meatballs instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Frozen or fresh pre-made meatballs work well in this recipe to save time—just adjust cooking times accordingly so they heat through in the sauce without drying out.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes! Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt and heavy cream for half-and-half to lighten the sauce while still keeping it creamy and flavorful.
What type of cheese works best for topping?
Mozzarella or Swiss cheese both melt beautifully and offer a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the sauce, making them the ideal choices for this noodle bake.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a crowd?
Definitely. You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge, then bake it when you’re ready to serve. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal for family gatherings or potlucks.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
Cook the noodles just until al dente and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. This keeps them firm enough to hold texture after baking.
Final Thoughts
The Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings leisure and joy to any dining table. Give it a try and discover how simple ingredients and classic flavors come together in a casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you take that first cheesy, creamy bite, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your weekly rotation forever!
Print
Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish-American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a comforting and hearty casserole combining tender meatballs seasoned with traditional Swedish spices, creamy sauce, and egg noodles, baked to golden perfection with melted cheese on top. Perfect for family dinners, this dish captures the cozy flavors of Swedish-American cuisine with a rich and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Sauce and Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Noodles: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed onion and garlic mixture with ground beef, ground pork, allspice, nutmeg, salt, pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
- Form and Brown Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small, approximately 1-inch meatballs. Wipe out the skillet, melt butter over medium heat, and add the meatballs. Brown them on all sides for 6–8 minutes until they’re mostly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw taste. Slowly whisk in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in sour cream, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to finish cooking and infuse the flavors.
- Combine and Assemble: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles with the meatball sauce mixture. Transfer everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve: Let the bake cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh touch.
Notes
- You can substitute all ground beef or use frozen meatballs to save time.
- For a lighter version, replace sour cream with Greek yogurt and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Ensure the meatballs are browned thoroughly to develop flavor before baking.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
