If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying dinner that brings all the comforting flavors of a classic Scandinavian favorite right to your table, this Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe is your new best friend. Picture tender, well-seasoned meatballs nestled atop soft egg noodles, all smothered in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with gooey melted Swiss cheese. It’s a dish that’s hearty but never heavy, with layers of flavor that just invite you to dig in and savor each bite. Whether for a family weeknight or a friendly gathering, this recipe offers that perfect combination of warmth and indulgence you’ll come to crave.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here plays an essential role in the success of this dish, balancing texture, flavor, and color. From the aromatic spices in the meatballs to the creamy sauce that ties everything together, these essentials are simple yet powerful in creating that perfect Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For browning the meatballs to a beautiful golden crust, adding depth of flavor.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty base of your meatballs, providing rich taste and texture.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Acts as a binder, keeping the meatballs perfectly formed without falling apart.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs: Helps keep the meatballs tender and light rather than dense.
- ½ onion, grated: Adds sweet moisture and a subtle sharpness without overpowering.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: A gentle hint of garlic flavor that complements without overwhelming.
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg: A classic spice in Swedish meatballs, giving a warm, aromatic touch.
- 1 tsp Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the beef.
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to each bite.
- 2 ½ cups egg noodles: The perfect pasta base that’s soft yet holds up well to baking.
- 1 cup beef broth: Lends a savory richness and balances the creaminess of the sauce.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Deepens flavor with its tangy, umami-packed notes.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety sauce that coats noodles and meatballs.
- 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, grated: Melts beautifully to top the dish with a satisfyingly gooey finish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving: Adds a fresh, bright contrast to the richness.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: For final seasoning adjustments.
How to Make Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you need it. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray, ensuring your bake doesn’t stick and comes out in one perfect piece.
Step 2: Make the Meatballs
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with the breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated onion, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. These ingredients meld together into perfectly flavorful meatballs that are tender and aromatic. Roll the mixture into about 1 ½ tablespoon-sized meatballs—bite-sized pieces that cook evenly every time.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the meatballs until they’re browned on all sides. This not only locks in flavor but adds a delicious caramelized layer that makes the dish extra special. Once browned, transfer them to a plate and set aside for the next step.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the egg noodles. Boil them for 2 minutes less than the package instructions say, which leaves them slightly undercooked to withstand baking without becoming mushy. Drain well and set aside.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
Using the same skillet you browned the meatballs in, add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a simmer for about 10 minutes or until it thickens slightly. Taste and season with salt and pepper to balance the creamy, savory sauce perfectly for your Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Layer the cooked noodles evenly in your prepared baking dish, then scatter the browned meatballs on top. Pour the creamy sauce all over, making sure everything is nicely coated. Sprinkle generously with the grated Swiss cheese to add that beautiful golden bake on top.
Step 7: Bake
Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbling hot and the sauce to be beautifully creamy throughout. Once done, let the bake rest for about 5 minutes—this makes serving easier and lets the flavors meld wonderfully.
Step 8: Serve
Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor that perfectly lightens the richness of the bake. You’re ready to enjoy this absolute comfort classic!
How to Serve Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh parsley is the ideal garnish here, adding a bright, herbal note and a lovely contrast against the creamy sauce and melted cheese. For a little extra zing, try some cracked black pepper or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for warmth.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own but pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides. Consider a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for added texture and nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation. You can also top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a little lingonberry jam on the side to bring out the traditional Swedish flavors with a modern touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent the noodles from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Before freezing, let the bake cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. You can also microwave single portions, but the oven is best to keep the bake’s texture lovely and the sauce creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground pork or a mix of beef and pork works beautifully, adding even more moisture and flavor to the meatballs.
What type of noodles work best for this bake?
Egg noodles are traditional and have the right texture for absorbing the sauce without getting mushy, but you can substitute with wide pasta like pappardelle or even small shells if preferred.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
You can try meatless meatballs made from plant-based ingredients or lentils, and substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a flavorful vegetarian option.
Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the meatballs and sauce a day ahead and refrigerate them. Assemble the bake just before cooking to save time on busy days.
What can I do if I don’t have Swiss cheese?
Gruyère or mozzarella are great alternatives that melt well and complement the creamy sauce without overpowering the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings a warm, comforting vibe to any meal. It’s simple to prepare but feels special enough for any occasion, with flavors and textures that blend perfectly. Don’t wait for a chilly night to try it—once you do, it’s sure to become a favorite you’ll return to again and again!
Print
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Description
This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a comforting, hearty casserole featuring tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a creamy sauce, combined with al dente egg noodles, and topped with melted Swiss cheese. Baked to perfection, it’s an easy one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
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
Noodles & 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 Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Make the Meatballs: In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated onion, garlic powder, ground nutmeg, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly, then roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 ½ tablespoons each.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned evenly on all sides. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Noodles: 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 indicate to keep them slightly firm. Drain the noodles well and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Using the same skillet, pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble & Bake: Spread the cooked egg noodles evenly in the greased baking dish. Arrange the browned meatballs over the noodles, then pour the creamy sauce over the top. Sprinkle the grated Swiss cheese evenly across the entire dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. After baking, let the dish rest for 5 minutes to set.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy this warm, comforting casserole!
Notes
- Grating the onion ensures it blends smoothly into the meatballs, adding moisture and flavor.
- Cook the noodles slightly underdone so they don’t become mushy after baking.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or pork for a different twist.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs and noodles with gluten-free alternatives.
