Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe

Cozy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe for Comfort Lovers

Comfort meets creativity in this swedish meatball noodle bake that breaks away from traditional dinner routines.

Hearty egg noodles intertwine with savory seasoned meatballs, creating a dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Nordic-inspired flavors dance across your plate, promising a culinary adventure that satisfies deep hunger.

Rich, creamy sauce blankets each tender morsel, ensuring every bite delivers maximum deliciousness.

Weeknight dinners rarely look this impressive or taste this extraordinary.

Home cooks of all skill levels can master this straightforward yet sophisticated meal.

Grab a fork and prepare to be transported to a cozy Scandinavian kitchen.

Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake That’s Cozy and Creamy

  • Effortless Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake brings cozy dinner magic to your table.
  • Prepare this dish in under an hour, transforming simple ingredients into a delectable meal that impresses without exhausting your energy.
  • Combines classic Swedish meatball flavors with cheesy noodle casserole, ensuring everyone from kids to adults will clean their plates with delight.
  • Easily adapt the recipe by swapping noodle types, adjusting cheese blends, or adding extra seasonings to match your family's taste preferences.

Ingredients to Build a Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

Meat Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Rich proteins that create tender, flavorful meatballs with a balanced meat texture.
  • Egg: Helps bind the meatball mixture together and adds moisture.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides deep, aromatic background flavor for the meatballs.
  • Nutmeg: Adds warm, subtle spice common in traditional Swedish meatball recipes.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out meat flavors.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami complexity to the sauce.
Binding and Liquid Ingredients:
  • Breadcrumbs, Milk: Creates a soft, tender meatball texture and helps ingredients stick together.
  • Butter, Flour: Forms a roux base for creating a smooth, rich sauce.
  • Beef Broth: Provides savory liquid foundation for the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a silky sauce texture.
Noodle and Cheese Components:
  • Egg Noodles: Classic pasta base that absorbs sauce and complements meatballs.
  • Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Provides melty, golden topping with tangy and creamy notes.
Cooking Preparation Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Helps brown meatballs evenly without sticking.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds color and fresh herb flavor.

Simple Instructions for Creamy Meatball Noodle Bake

Step 1: Prepare Savory Meatball Mixture

Mix breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl, allowing them to meld for a few minutes. Add:
  • Ground beef
  • Ground pork
  • Egg
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Nutmeg
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Blend ingredients thoroughly. Shape into bite-sized balls. Warm vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches, turning occasionally until golden. Set aside.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, cooking until lightly golden. Slowly pour beef broth, whisking continuously to prevent clumps. Cook until sauce thickens. Stir in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Simmer briefly and adjust seasoning.

Step 3: Layer Delicious Components

Heat oven to 375°F. Combine cooked egg noodles with half the sauce. Transfer to a greased baking dish. Arrange browned meatballs over noodles. Drizzle remaining sauce. Sprinkle:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide dish into oven. Bake 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Retrieve from oven. Scatter fresh parsley on top. Serve piping hot and enjoy!

Tips That Keep Your Swedish Meatball Bake Creamy

  • Soak Breadcrumbs Completely: Let breadcrumbs absorb milk fully for 23 minutes to ensure meatballs have maximum moisture and tender texture.
  • Control Meatball Browning: Cook meatballs in batches to prevent overcrowding, allowing proper browning and developing rich flavor without steaming.
  • Prevent Sauce Lumps: Gradually whisk beef broth into flour mixture while stirring constantly to create smooth, lump-free sauce with perfect consistency.
  • Balance Cheese Melting: Sprinkle cheese evenly over casserole to achieve uniform melting and golden-brown surface during final baking stage.
  • Customize Protein Options: Substitute ground beef and pork with ground turkey or chicken for lighter version without compromising traditional Swedish meatball taste.

Store and Warm Up Noodle Bake Without Overcooking

  • Store leftover Swedish meatball noodle bake in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Package the dish in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover the dish with foil to prevent drying and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.
  • Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm. Add a splash of broth to maintain moisture if needed.

Best Pairings for Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

  • Select a slightly sweet white wine that balances the rich, savory flavors of the Swedish meatballs, cutting through the creamy sauce with its bright acidity.
  • Create a light, refreshing side dish with thinly sliced cucumbers, dill, and a light vinegar dressing to offset the heavy, creamy texture of the noodle bake.
  • Serve a small dish of traditional Swedish lingonberry jam on the side, providing a tart and sweet counterpoint that enhances the meaty, umami flavors of the dish.
  • Prepare simple roasted carrots with a touch of butter and fresh herbs to add a sweet, earthy vegetable component that complements the rich meatball casserole.

New Twists to Try in Your Swedish Noodle Bake

  • Gluten-Free Meatball Noodle Bake: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Use gluten-free egg noodles and ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Replace butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh oregano. Mix in roasted red peppers and swap nutmeg for dried thyme. Use ground lamb instead of beef and pork for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Option: Replace egg noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use ground turkey or chicken for lighter protein. Reduce flour in sauce and add extra cream for thickness.
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Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe

Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Savory Swedish meatball noodle bake brings comfort from Stockholm’s culinary traditions to your dinner table. Rich beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly seasoned noodles create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat Components:

  • 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
  • 250 g (½ lb) ground pork

Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Sauce Components:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Additional Bake Ingredients:

  • 300 g (10 ounces) egg noodles, cooked and drained
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Craft the meatball mixture by soaking breadcrumbs in milk for a brief moment, allowing the crumbs to absorb liquid and soften.
  2. Incorporate ground beef, ground pork, egg, and aromatic spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg into the moistened breadcrumbs, blending thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Shape the meat mixture into uniform, bite-sized spheres approximately one inch in diameter.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and carefully brown the meatballs, rotating them to ensure even coloration, creating a delectable exterior while maintaining a tender interior.
  5. Utilize the same skillet to create a velvety sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour, cooking until a light golden hue develops.
  6. Gradually introduce beef broth while continuously whisking, preventing lump formation and creating a smooth base for the sauce.
  7. Enrich the sauce with heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and carefully balanced seasonings, simmering until the consistency becomes luxuriously rich.
  8. Preheat the oven to 190C, preparing for the final transformation of ingredients.
  9. Toss cooked egg noodles with half the prepared sauce, ensuring each strand is generously coated.
  10. Transfer the sauced noodles into a greased baking dish, strategically positioning the browned meatballs atop the pasta.
  11. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the meatballs and noodles, creating a harmonious layer of flavors.
  12. Generously sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses across the casserole, promising a golden, bubbling surface.
  13. Bake until the cheese melts completely and develops a tempting golden-brown crust.
  14. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, presenting a comforting and aromatic Swedish-inspired dish.

Notes

  • Create a smooth breadcrumb mixture by letting it sit, allowing the milk to fully absorb and soften the crumbs for tender meatballs.
  • Mix meats gently to prevent tough meatballs, using a light touch when combining ingredients to maintain a delicate texture.
  • Brown meatballs in batches to ensure even cooking and develop a rich, caramelized exterior without overcrowding the pan.
  • Whisk sauce continuously to prevent flour from burning and create a silky, lump-free consistency.
  • Customize the dish by substituting ground beef with turkey or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
  • Add a splash of lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce on the side for an authentic Swedish flavor profile.
  • Choose wide egg noodles or swap with gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs.
  • Enhance the dish’s richness by using a blend of cheeses like Gruyère and sharp cheddar for added depth.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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