Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake: A Delicious Comfort Food Twist

Introduction

The Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a comforting, family-friendly dish that combines the best of classic Swedish meatballs and cheesy pasta into one easy-to-make casserole. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or a cozy dinner with the family. It’s rich, hearty, and full of savory flavors that everyone will love. The creamy sauce and tender meatballs pair beautifully with the pasta, making it an irresistible choice for anyone craving comfort food.

History of Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs (known as Köttbullar in Sweden) have been a staple of Swedish cuisine for centuries. Traditionally served with lingonberry jam and boiled potatoes, these meatballs became popular in the United States thanks to Swedish immigrants who brought their recipes along. Over time, Swedish meatballs have evolved, and now there are countless variations of the dish, including casseroles like this Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake.

The beauty of this casserole is that it simplifies the process by incorporating the Swedish meatballs and their creamy sauce with pasta, making it a satisfying one-dish meal.

Health Benefits

While this casserole is a rich and indulgent comfort food, it also provides several health benefits:

Ground Beef – A great source of high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins, especially if you opt for lean beef.

Egg Noodles – A good source of carbohydrates for energy, and they pair well with the creamy sauce to provide a balanced meal.

Onions and Garlic – Both contain compounds that are beneficial for heart health and offer anti-inflammatory properties.

Dairy – The heavy cream, cheese, and milk used in the dish provide calcium, which supports bone health, as well as protein for muscle growth and repair.

Ingredients

For the Swedish Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Noodle Bake:

• 12 oz egg noodles (or your favorite pasta)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Swedish Meatballs

1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, nutmeg, and allspice. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, form small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter). You should get around 20-24 meatballs depending on the size.
3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook them in batches, turning them to brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

1. Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain the noodles and set them aside. Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Make the Roux: In the same skillet used for the meatballs, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste.
2. Add the Liquids: Gradually whisk in the beef broth and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
3. Season the Sauce: Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 4: Assemble the Noodle Bake

1. Combine Meatballs, Noodles, and Sauce: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, Swedish meatballs, and creamy sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs and noodles evenly with the sauce.
2. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
3. Top with Cheese (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole for an extra cheesy finish.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. After 20-25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly (if using).
2. Let Rest: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish: Garnish the casserole with chopped parsley or dill for a burst of color and flavor.
2. Serve: Serve the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake on its own, or alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetable Add-ins: Add vegetables like peas, spinach, or mushrooms to the casserole for added flavor and nutrition.
• Use Different Meats: While traditional Swedish meatballs are made with beef and pork, you can use chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the casserole gluten-free.Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Without Cheese)

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Fats: 18g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Vitamin C: 20% DV (thanks to the onions and garlic)

Lovers of This Dish

This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is loved by:

Comfort Food Lovers: If you enjoy classic comfort foods with a twist, this dish is perfect for you.

Families: The creamy, cheesy goodness of this casserole makes it a hit with both kids and adults.

Meal Preppers: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Swedish Meatball Enthusiasts: If you’re a fan of Swedish meatballs, you’ll love this easy-to-make, cheesy casserole.

Conclusion

The Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a fantastic comfort food casserole that brings the rich flavors of Swedish meatballs and creamy pasta together in one hearty dish. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a gathering, this casserole is both satisfying and delicious. Its rich, savory sauce, tender meatballs, and cheesy top make it a crowd-pleaser every time. Billion Dollar Buttery Biscuits