Cozy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe for Family Comfort

Comfort food reaches new heights with this Swedish meatball noodle bake that blends rich, savory flavors into one irresistible dish.

Tender egg noodles nestle perfectly alongside juicy, seasoned meatballs in a creamy sauce that promises pure satisfaction.

Each forkful carries the warmth of traditional Scandinavian cooking, bringing a delightful twist to classic comfort cuisine.

The melted cheese creates a golden, crispy top that adds delectable texture to every bite.

Aromatic herbs and spices infuse the dish with depth and complexity that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create a meal that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

Prepare to be transported by this soul-warming recipe that transforms an ordinary dinner into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Serve This Noodle Bake at Family Gatherings

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Gather everyone around the table for a comforting meal that brings warmth and joy to your home.
• Scandinavian-Inspired Presentation: Serve the dish on a rustic wooden board with a small side of lingonberry jam to enhance the authentic Swedish flavor profile.
• Hearty Side Companions: Pair the noodle bake with a crisp cucumber salad or roasted green vegetables to balance the richness of the creamy meatball dish.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the meal with a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp German Riesling to cut through the dish's creamy texture.

Store Noodle Bake for Easy Weeknight Meals

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated Swedish meatball noodle bake stays fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavor and texture.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze completely assembled dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Alternatively, restore crispy top by baking in oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes.
• Divide remaining casserole into single-serving containers for quick grab-and-go lunches. Label with date and contents to track freshness and minimize food waste.

FAQs

• Why use both ground beef and ground pork?

Ground beef provides a robust flavor, while ground pork adds moisture and tenderness to the meatballs. The combination creates a more complex and juicy texture that elevates the overall taste of the dish.

• Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and brown them just before assembling the casserole. This makes the recipe more convenient for busy cooks.

• What's the purpose of soaking breadcrumbs in milk?

Soaking breadcrumbs in milk helps create a more tender and moist meatball. The milk softens the breadcrumbs and helps bind the meat mixture, preventing the meatballs from becoming dry or tough during cooking.

• How can I tell if the meatballs are cooked properly?

The meatballs should be browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 160F (71C). Since they’ll finish cooking in the oven, they don’t need to be completely cooked through when initially browned in the skillet.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 6

Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty base for classic Swedish-style meatballs, choose 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for optimal juiciness.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra flavor and tenderness, select fresh ground pork from reliable butcher.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind ingredients and create tender texture, use plain or unseasoned variety.
• Milk: Moistens breadcrumbs and enhances meatball softness, whole milk recommended.
• Egg: Acts as binding agent, ensuring meatballs hold together perfectly.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle aromatic flavor without raw garlic chunks.
• Onion Powder: Provides balanced savory undertone without chopping fresh onions.
• Nutmeg: Signature Swedish meatball spice, adds warm, distinctive flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste profile.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth sauce base with deep flavor.
• Flour: Thickens sauce and provides silky consistency.
• Beef Broth: Develops deep meaty undertone, use low-sodium for better control.
• Heavy Cream: Gives luxurious, velvety texture to sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes tangy, umami complexity.

• Egg Noodles: Classic pasta base that absorbs sauce beautifully.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps brown meatballs evenly without sticking.
• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creates golden, melty cheese layer with complementary flavors.

Tools to Prepare Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Comfortably

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining meatball ingredients and mixing noodles with sauce.
• Skillet: Essential for browning meatballs and preparing the creamy sauce.
• Whisk: Crucial for smooth sauce preparation without lumps.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal size for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helpful for mixing and stirring ingredients.
• Cutting board: Useful for any final chopping or ingredient preparation.

Bake Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake for Cozy Dinners

• Create Meatball Mixture

Combine breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl, allowing them to blend together. Add ground beef, ground pork, egg, and spices. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed. Form mixture into small round balls.

• Brown Meatballs

Heat oil in a skillet over medium temperature. Cook meatballs in batches, rotating occasionally to achieve golden exterior. Remove from pan and set aside.

• Develop Creamy Sauce

Use same skillet to melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook until lightly golden. Slowly pour beef broth while continuously whisking to prevent clumping. Allow sauce to thicken. Incorporate heavy cream and seasonings. Simmer briefly and adjust flavors.

• Layer Casserole

Preheat oven to 190C. Combine cooked egg noodles with half the sauce. Transfer noodle mixture to greased baking dish. Arrange browned meatballs on top. Pour remaining sauce over entire dish. Sprinkle cheese across surface.

• Bake and Serve

Cook in oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and turns bubbly. Remove, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately while warm.

Tips That Keep the Meatballs Juicy and Noodles Soft

• Add a splash of heavy cream to the meat mixture for extra tenderness and juiciness, ensuring your meatballs stay incredibly moist during cooking.
• Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Replace ground beef and pork with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of the Swedish meatball bake without compromising rich flavor profiles.
• Prepare meatballs and sauce a day in advance, refrigerate separately, and assemble the casserole just before baking to save time and enhance flavor development.
• Create plant-based meatballs using combinations of lentils, mushrooms, and plant-based protein crumbles, maintaining the classic Swedish meatball seasoning for a meat-free alternative.

Hearty Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Swedish meatball noodle bake delivers comfort straight from Scandinavian kitchens. Rich creamy sauce and tender meatballs promise a satisfying meal that will delight you at first bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
• 250 g (½ lb) ground pork
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter
• 4 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 300 g (10 oz) egg noodles, cooked and drained
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Meatball Preparation: Soak breadcrumbs in milk, allowing them to soften and absorb liquid. Blend ground beef, ground pork, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg into the moistened breadcrumbs until evenly mixed.
2. Shaping and Browning: Form meat mixture into uniform one-inch spheres. Sear meatballs in hot vegetable oil, rotating to achieve an even, golden-brown exterior while maintaining a tender core.
3. Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour, cooking until lightly golden. Gradually pour beef broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Incorporate heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings, simmering until the sauce reaches a rich, velvety consistency.
4. Casserole Assembly: Preheat oven to 190C. Coat cooked egg noodles with half the sauce, then transfer to a greased baking dish. Arrange browned meatballs over the noodles and drizzle remaining sauce.
5. Baking and Serving: Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses over the casserole. Bake until cheese melts and forms a golden-brown crust. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, presenting a comforting Swedish-inspired dish.

Notes

• Breadcrumb Absorption: Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 2-3 minutes to ensure maximum moisture and tenderness in meatballs.
• Meat Mixing Technique: Blend ground meats gently to avoid overworking, which can make meatballs tough and dense.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Whisk continuously while adding broth to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, smooth sauce texture.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving and more stable cheese topping.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 623
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 738 mg
• Fat: 41 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 136 mg