Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

Introducing a comforting and flavorful dish: Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake. This delightful casserole combines tender homemade meatballs with egg noodles, bathed in a rich and creamy sauce, and topped with a blanket of melted Swiss cheese.

Each bite is a harmony of savory flavors and creamy textures, making it a perfect comfort food for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Serve it piping hot, garnished with fresh parsley, and watch as it disappears from plates in no time. Get ready to indulge in a satisfying meal that’s both hearty and delicious!

Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

Ingredients

For The Meatballs

2 tbsp olive oil

1 pound ground beef

1 large egg, beaten

½ c. breadcrumbs

½ onion, grated

½ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

1 tsp Kosher salt

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

For The Casserole

2 ½ c. egg noodles

1 c. beef broth

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1-pint heavy cream

1 ½ c. Swiss cheese, grated

Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Step 1:

Prepare the oven.

Preheat it to 375 degrees F.

Using a nonstick spray, grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2:

Place the beef, bread crumbs, egg, onion, nutmeg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well until just combined.

Scoop and roll 1 ½ tablespoons of the mixture into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Step 3:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

To the hot oil, add the meatballs and cook until all sides are browned.

To a plate, transfer the meatballs and set aside.

Step 4:

In the meantime, cook the noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water for two minutes less than the package directions.

Step 5:

Add the broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce to the now-empty skillet and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan.

Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes until a little thickened.

To taste, season with salt and pepper.

Then, take the skillet off the heat.

Step 6:

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Into the prepared baking dish, add the pasta and top with meatballs.

Over the pasta and meatballs, evenly pour the sauce and sprinkle with cheese.

Step 7:

Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.

Remove from the oven when done and allow the casserole to sit for about 5 minutes.

Step 8:

Serve and enjoy!

Notes:

Meatball Preparation: Mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense meatballs.

Uniform Meatballs: Scoop and roll the meat mixture into evenly sized balls, around 1 ½ tablespoons each, to ensure they cook uniformly.

Browning Meatballs: Brown the meatballs in olive oil over medium-high heat to develop flavor and create a golden crust. Ensure all sides are evenly browned before transferring them to a plate.

Pasta Cooking: Cook the egg noodles in salted boiling water until they are slightly undercooked, as they will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents them from becoming mushy in the casserole.

Sauce Simmering: After browning the meatballs, use the same skillet to make the sauce. Simmering the beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Seasoning: Taste the sauce before pouring it over the meatballs and noodles. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.

Assembly: Arrange the cooked noodles in a greased baking dish, then top with the browned meatballs. Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs and noodles, ensuring they are fully covered.

Cheese Topping: Sprinkle grated Swiss cheese over the casserole before baking. The cheese will melt and form a golden crust, adding a deliciously creamy and cheesy layer to the dish.

Baking: Bake the casserole until the cheese is melted and bubbly, usually around 20 minutes at 375 degrees F. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Serving: Garnish the finished dish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving. Enjoy this comforting meal straight from the oven with your favorite crusty bread on the side.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use leaner ground meat for the meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with leaner options like ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat version.

Is it necessary to use Swiss cheese, or can I choose another type?

While Swiss cheese adds a unique flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere or mozzarella based on your preference.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate.

Bake it when ready to serve, adjusting cooking time as needed.

Is there a gluten-free alternative for breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate a gluten-free diet.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Can I freeze Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake?

While the noodles may change texture after freezing, you can freeze the meatballs and sauce separately.

Thaw and assemble before baking.

How can I enhance the nutritional value of this dish?

Add vegetables like spinach or peas to the casserole for extra nutrients and color.

Is it necessary to use egg noodles, or can I choose another pasta type?

Feel free to use your preferred pasta, adjusting the cooking time based on the type you choose.

Can I make smaller portions for individual servings?

Absolutely! Use individual baking dishes for portion control, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

What side dishes pair well with Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake?

A simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread are great accompaniments to complete the meal.