Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake 🍝🧀

This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender homemade meatballs, creamy noodles, and melted cheese into one cozy casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and sure to satisfy your cravings. With its rich cream sauce and gooey cheese topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious Swedish-inspired bake step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comfort in Every Bite : Creamy noodles, savory meatballs, and melted cheese create a warm, satisfying meal.
2. Easy & Approachable : Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
3. Make Ahead Friendly : Prep components ahead of time for stress-free assembly.
4. Customizable : Add mushrooms, spinach, or spices to suit your taste.
5. One-Pan Wonder : Minimal cleanup with most of the cooking done in one dish.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef 🥩
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs 🍞
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
• 1 egg , lightly beaten 🥚
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley 🌿
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⚫

For the Noodle Bake:

• 8 ounces egg noodles , cooked according to package instructions 🍜
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup 🍲
• 1 cup sour cream 🥄
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley 🌿
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.

Step 2: Make the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef , bread crumbs , Parmesan cheese , egg , dried parsley , salt , and pepper . Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter .
3. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes , or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Sauce

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup , sour cream , beef broth , dried parsley , garlic powder , and onion powder until smooth.
2. Stir in the cooked egg noodles and gently toss to coat them evenly with the sauce.

Step 4: Assemble the Noodle Bake

1. Spread half of the saucy noodles evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Arrange the baked meatballs on top of the noodles in an even layer.
3. Top with the remaining noodles, spreading them out to cover the meatballs.
4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes , or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
   • Tip : For extra browning, broil the dish for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 6: Serve

1. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Ingredients : Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese melt better than pre-shredded varieties.
2. Add Vegetables : Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
3. Make Ahead : Assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
4. Freeze for Later : Freeze unbaked portions in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months . Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
5. Double the Recipe : Easily double the recipe to feed a larger crowd or save leftovers for later.

Perfect Pairings

This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake pairs beautifully with:

• Side Salad : Serve with a crisp green salad or Caesar salad for balance.
• Garlic Bread : Pair with warm garlic bread or breadsticks for soaking up the sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables : Serve with roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for added nutrients.
• Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or a glass of red wine for refreshment.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 6 servings)

• Calories : ~450 kcal
• Protein : ~25g
• Carbohydrates : ~35g
• Fat : ~25g
• Fiber : ~2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a comforting, indulgent dish that brings together the best of creamy pasta, savory meatballs, and gooey cheese. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, potluck, or cozy night in, this recipe delivers on flavor and satisfaction. The combination of tender meatballs, rich cream sauce, and melted cheese creates a dish that’s as hearty as it is delicious.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients, adjust the seasonings, or pair it with different sides to make it your own. So grab your ground beef, cook those noodles, and get ready to enjoy a bake that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.