Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe

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If you’re craving the cozy, comforting vibes of traditional Swedish meatballs but want something a bit heartier and perfect for sharing, the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This dish marries tender, flavorful meatballs with creamy sauce and tender egg noodles, all topped with melty Swiss cheese that creates that irresistible golden crust. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress guests without fuss. Trust me, this bake brings all the warmth and nostalgia of Swedish cuisine in a way that’s simple, satisfying, and downright delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this recipe creates layers of flavor and texture that make every bite memorable. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s the juicy meatballs seasoned just right, the creamy sauce that binds everything together, or the Swiss cheese that adds that beautiful finishing touch.

• 2 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for browning the meatballs and adding richness without overpowering the flavors.
• 1 lb ground beef: The hearty base for your meatballs, offering juicy, savory goodness.
• 1 large egg, beaten: Acts as a binding agent to keep your meatballs tender and intact while baking.
• ½ cup breadcrumbs: Adds structure and moisture retention to the meatballs for perfect texture.
• ½ onion, grated: Introduces a subtle sweetness and keeps the meatballs tender.
• ½ tsp garlic powder: Brings aromatic warmth that complements the beef beautifully.
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg: A classic Swedish touch that adds depth and a hint of spice.
• 1 tsp Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild kick and balances the richness.
• 2 ½ cups egg noodles: The comforting pasta that soaks up every bit of that luscious sauce.
• 1 cup beef broth: Forms the savory base of the creamy sauce.
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami complexity to the sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and rich.
• 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, grated: Creates a melty, golden topping that binds the dish together.
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving: Adds a fresh, vibrant zing to finish the dish.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: For perfect seasoning throughout.

How to Make Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This ensures your bake won’t stick and makes for effortless cleanup later. Getting this step out of the way right at the beginning saves you time and keeps your workspace organized.

Step 2: Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with the breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated onion, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything just until combined — overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Then, roll the mixture into meatballs about one and a half tablespoons each. These size-perfect meatballs will cook evenly and nestle beautifully among the noodles.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs until they have a beautiful crust on all sides; this locks in flavor and juiciness. Don’t worry about cooking them through here, as they’ll finish baking later in the oven. Set the browned meatballs aside once done.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

Boil your egg noodles in salted water, but be careful not to overcook them — remove them from the boiling water about two minutes before the package directions indicate. The noodles will continue cooking in the oven bake, so slightly undercooking keeps them tender without turning mushy.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

Using the same skillet (no need for an extra dish, yay!), add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream. Simmer this mixture gently for about ten minutes until it thickens just enough to coat your spoon. Taste and season with salt and pepper to balance the flavors. This creamy sauce is the heart of the dish, so taking this step slowly is well worth it.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

In your greased baking dish, spread the cooked noodles evenly. Nestle the browned meatballs on top, then pour the creamy sauce all over the assembly. Finish by sprinkling the grated Swiss cheese generously across the top. This layering ensures every bite is a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Once out of the oven, let it rest for five minutes so all the flavors settle and the sauce thickens a bit more — making serving easier and the eating experience even more enjoyable.

Step 8: Serve with Fresh Parsley

Before serving, scatter freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a burst of color and freshness that lightens each creamy, savory bite. And just like that, your Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe is ready to wow!

How to Serve Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is an absolute must to chop over your Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe. It’s more than just a pretty garnish — parsley adds a hint of brightness that complements the richness of the sauce and cheese. If you want a little extra, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or even a dash of smoked paprika can add beautiful layers of flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish speaks mostly for itself, but a crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette is the perfect partner. The acidity and crunch balance out the creamy, hearty nature of the bake. Alternatively, steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts add a satisfying veggie boost without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving individual portions straight from the oven in small ramekins for a personal touch. You can also sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts on top before baking for an unexpected crunchy finish. Pairing it with a side of lingonberry jam provides a nod to the traditional Swedish flavors while adding a sweet-tart contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal. Just be sure to cool it fully before storing.

Freezing

If you want to prepare this dish in advance, it freezes beautifully. Assemble everything but don’t bake it — cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed until it’s heated through and bubbly.

Reheating

For reheating, the oven is best to maintain that cheesy topping and perfect texture. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover loosely with foil to prevent drying, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until hot throughout. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you may lose some of that golden crust charm.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a leaner alternative and will work well in the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe. Just keep in mind it may be a bit less rich, so consider adding a touch of olive oil or a small amount of grated cheese into the meatballs to keep them moist.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and choose gluten-free egg noodles or pasta. This way, you still enjoy the delicious flavors and textures without any gluten concerns.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Definitely! You can shape and brown the meatballs a day before assembling the bake. Store them in the refrigerator, then continue with the rest of the recipe when ready to bake for convenience and even richer flavor.

What is the role of nutmeg in this recipe?

Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and a hint of sweetness that’s traditional in Swedish meatball seasoning. It balances the savory components and adds a slightly exotic depth that makes this bake special.

Are there any good cheese substitutes for Swiss cheese?

If Swiss cheese isn’t available, Gruyère or mozzarella can be great alternatives. They both melt well and provide a creamy, mild flavor that complements the sauce and meatballs perfectly.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe enough. It’s a fantastic dish that combines familiar comfort with a little European flair, perfect for cozy evenings or casual gatherings. Once you make it, this bake will likely become a beloved staple because it’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Go ahead and give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!

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Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe

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4.4 from 49 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This comforting Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake combines tender, flavorful meatballs with creamy sauce, egg noodles, and melted Swiss cheese for a hearty and delicious family meal perfect for weeknights or cozy dinners.

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Ingredients

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For the Meatballs

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ onion, grated
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp Kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

For the Noodles and Sauce

• 2 ½ cups egg noodles
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, grated
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prepare it for assembling the casserole later.
2. Make the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated onion, garlic powder, ground nutmeg, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Then, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 ½ tablespoons in size for uniform cooking.
3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the meatballs in batches and cook them until they are browned on all sides, ensuring a flavorful crust. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
4. Cook Noodles: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook them for 2 minutes less than the package instructions to keep them firm, as they will finish cooking in the bake. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set aside.
5. Prepare the Sauce: Using the same skillet, add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with additional salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
6. Assemble & Bake: Spread the cooked noodles evenly in the prepared baking dish. Arrange the browned meatballs on top of the noodles, then pour the creamy sauce over everything. Finally, sprinkle the grated Swiss cheese evenly across the top.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set.
8. Serve: Garnish the baked casserole with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Notes

• For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
• You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• If you prefer, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and noodles to make the dish gluten-free.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture can introduce a subtle smoky heat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Swedish