Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

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This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is everything you love about classic Swedish meatballs, transformed into a cozy, creamy, oven-baked casserole. Imagine juicy, golden-brown meatballs nestled into tender egg noodles, all coated in a rich, savory gravy-like sauce and baked until bubbling. It’s pure comfort in a bowl, ideal for family dinners or meal prepping ahead of a busy week.

This bake brings together the heartiness of a traditional meatball dish with the convenience and flavor fusion of a baked noodle casserole. With layers of creamy sauce, perfectly seasoned meatballs, and the irresistible texture of baked cheese and noodles, this dish will easily become a new weeknight favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

This dish is not only delicious, it’s also a time-saver. You can prep everything ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. The meatballs are flavorful, the noodles absorb the creamy sauce perfectly, and everything bakes together into a warm, cheesy hug.

Plus, it’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and can be easily doubled for a crowd. If you love one-pan meals with minimal cleanup and maximum comfort, this recipe is a must-try.

What Makes Swedish Meatballs Different?

Swedish meatballs are known for their soft, tender texture and signature flavor. Unlike Italian-style meatballs, they include warm spices like allspice and nutmeg, which give them a distinct depth. They’re also typically served with a creamy brown gravy rather than a tomato-based sauce. This version takes that traditional flavor profile and layers it into a comforting baked pasta dish.

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Ingredients for the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

Each ingredient here builds a foundation of rich, comforting flavor that makes this bake so irresistible:

• Ground Beef and Pork: The blend of meats gives the meatballs a perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs while keeping them moist.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatball mixture together.
• Onion: Finely diced and sautéed for aromatic depth in the meatballs.
• Garlic: Brings savory, bold flavor.
• Allspice & Nutmeg: These warm spices give the Swedish meatballs their signature taste.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the meatballs and sauce.
• Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles are sturdy and soak up the sauce beautifully.
• Butter and Flour: Form the roux base for the creamy sauce.
• Beef Broth: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• Sour Cream: Offers creaminess and a slight tang.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce extra silky.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts into the bake for added richness and golden top.
• Parsley: Freshly chopped for garnish and color.

How To Make the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, mix ground beef and pork with breadcrumbs, egg, sautéed onion, garlic, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Roll into small meatballs and brown them in a skillet until fully cooked. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Boil the egg noodles in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly add beef broth, stirring until smooth. Add sour cream and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

In a large baking dish, combine noodles, meatballs, and sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.

Step 5: Bake and Garnish

Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

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Serving and Storing the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

This creamy and hearty bake is perfect served hot straight from the oven, when the cheese is bubbly and the noodles are silky and coated in sauce. It comfortably feeds 6 people, making it a great option for a family dinner or a small gathering.

For leftovers, let the bake cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s texture and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake?

Steamed Green Beans

Their crisp texture and light flavor contrast nicely with the rich casserole.

Lingonberry Sauce

A traditional Swedish pairing that adds a sweet-tart brightness to the creamy dish.

Simple Garden Salad

Fresh greens with a light vinaigrette keep things balanced.

Garlic Roasted Carrots

Slightly sweet and savory, they round out the meal with a tender bite.

Dinner Rolls

Soft, warm rolls are great for soaking up any extra sauce.

Cucumber Dill Salad

This cool, refreshing salad adds a Nordic touch and crunch.

Pickled Beets

An earthy, tangy side that complements the richness of the bake.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?
Absolutely! Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the casserole. Homemade adds more flavor, but frozen works in a pinch.

2. What kind of cheese should I use?
Mozzarella or a mild cheddar works well. You can also try a blend with Monterey Jack or Gruyère for more flavor depth.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the entire bake, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if cooking from cold.

4. Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Use lean meat, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream, and reduce the cheese slightly. You can also use whole wheat noodles for more fiber.

5. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, it freezes well. Store portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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Conclusion

Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a hearty, flavorful twist on the classic. Creamy sauce, perfectly seasoned meatballs, and golden noodles baked together in one dish — it’s easy, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Try it once, and it just might become your go-to casserole!

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