Craving a cozy, comforting meal? Swedish Meatball Casserole combines the traditional flavors of Swedish meatballs with the ease of a baked casserole. This dish features tender meatballs, creamy sauce, egg noodles, and a cheesy topping, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It’s simple to prepare and delivers all the comfort of the classic dish with a twist.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef
½ lb ground pork (or use all ground beef if preferred)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon allspice
½ teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying the meatballs)

For the Casserole:

12 oz egg noodles (about 4 cups cooked)
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup sour cream
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese (divided)
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Cook the Egg Noodles
- Boil salted water and cook egg noodles as per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meatballs
- In a mixing bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix well and form into 1-inch meatballs (about 20-25).
Brown the Meatballs
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, then set aside (they will finish cooking in the oven).
Make the Creamy Sauce
- Melt butter in the same skillet. Add flour and whisk to form a roux. Gradually whisk in beef broth, followed by heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thickened, then stir in sour cream. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Combine cooked egg noodles with half the creamy sauce, then spread into the dish.
- Arrange browned meatballs on top and pour the remaining sauce over them.
Add Cheese and Bake
- Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese over the casserole. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish and Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve.

Nutritional Values

Calories: 550
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 125mg
Sodium: 720mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

What Makes Swedish Meatball Casserole Special?

Swedish Meatball Casserole stands out as a versatile, one-dish meal that combines traditional flavors with modern convenience. The heart of this casserole lies in the tender, spiced meatballs, which are enriched by a luscious creamy sauce. When combined with egg noodles and topped with cheese, the dish transforms into a rich, satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s the kind of recipe that balances tradition and innovation, making it ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners.

The Perfect Harmony of Ingredients

This casserole achieves its signature flavor profile through a harmonious blend of ingredients. The ground beef and pork create a juicy, flavorful meatball base, while spices like allspice and nutmeg lend an aromatic warmth. The creamy sauce, a key feature of the dish, combines beef broth, heavy cream, and sour cream to create a velvety texture that envelops the egg noodles and meatballs. The cheesy topping adds the final layer of indulgence, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and comfort.

Why Choose a Casserole Format?

While traditional Swedish meatballs are often served as a standalone dish, the casserole format offers several advantages. It’s a time-saver, allowing you to combine all elements into one baking dish for a cohesive meal. The casserole’s layers of noodles, sauce, meatballs, and cheese meld together beautifully during baking, creating a unified dish with rich and complex flavors. Moreover, this format is highly adaptable; you can prepare it ahead of time, freeze it for later use, or easily customize the recipe to suit dietary preferences.

Tips for Making the Best Swedish Meatball Casserole

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh ground meat, high-quality cheese, and aromatic spices to ensure the best flavor.
Don’t Overmix the Meatballs: Overmixing can make the meatballs dense. Mix until just combined for tender results.
Brown the Meatballs Properly: Searing the meatballs adds a caramelized depth of flavor that enhances the overall dish.
Cook the Noodles Al Dente: This prevents them from becoming mushy during baking.
Customize the Cheese: While mozzarella or Swiss cheese works well, you can experiment with Gruyère or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas for added nutrition and color.

Serving Suggestions

Swedish Meatball Casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement its rich flavors. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the creaminess of the dish. Garlic bread or crusty rolls make excellent accompaniments for soaking up the sauce. For a nod to tradition, you can serve lingonberry jam alongside the casserole, providing a sweet and tangy contrast.

How to Store and Reheat

This casserole is not only delicious but also practical for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole before baking. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for the colder starting temperature.

Variations to Try

Low-Carb Option: Replace egg noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs and swap egg noodles for a gluten-free pasta variety.
Vegetarian: Substitute the meatballs with plant-based alternatives or use roasted vegetables for a hearty vegetarian casserole.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat.

Conclusion

Swedish Meatball Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort and tradition brought to your dinner table in an accessible, family-friendly format. Its rich flavors, creamy texture, and customizable nature make it a standout choice for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a festive gathering, this dish is sure to please a crowd and leave everyone craving more. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the heartwarming flavors of Sweden in every bite!

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