Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe

If you’re a fan of creamy, savory, and comforting dishes, then this Swedish Meatball Casserole is for you! It takes the classic flavors of Swedish meatballs—juicy meatballs, rich gravy, and egg noodles—and turns it into an easy-to-make, baked casserole that’s perfect for a family meal. This dish is a delightful combination of tender meatballs, hearty noodles, and a luscious, creamy sauce, all baked to perfection. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a potluck, this casserole will have everyone coming back for seconds.

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What is Swedish Meatball Casserole?

Swedish Meatball Casserole is a twist on the traditional Swedish meatball dish, which consists of seasoned meatballs served in a creamy, savory gravy. In this casserole version, the meatballs are combined with egg noodles and a luscious sauce, topped with cheese (optional), and baked in the oven. The result is a comforting, one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor and texture.

Ingredients List for Swedish Meatball Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon allspice (optional, for that traditional Swedish flavor)
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

For the Casserole:

• 12 oz egg noodles (about 6 cups cooked)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

These ingredients come together to make a creamy, savory casserole that's loaded with flavor, from the perfectly seasoned meatballs to the rich gravy-like sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

This Swedish Meatball Casserole is flexible and easy to customize. Here are some popular substitutions and variations to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand:

• Ground Meat: While ground beef is traditional, you can use a mix of beef and pork for richer flavor, or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Egg Noodles: You can swap egg noodles with other pasta like rotini, penne, or even gluten-free noodles if needed.
• Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a great alternative to sour cream if you want a healthier option.
• Heavy Cream: If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, you can use whole milk or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or almond milk for the sauce.
• Cheese: While this recipe is great with or without cheese, Swiss cheese adds a subtle flavor, and mozzarella adds a melty texture. You can also try Parmesan for a more savory punch.
• Spices: To make the dish more traditionally Swedish, be sure to include allspice and nutmeg in the meatballs. These spices give Swedish meatballs their unique flavor.

With these variations, you can easily adjust the recipe to fit your family’s preferences or dietary needs.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the cooking process for this delicious Swedish Meatball Casserole!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.

Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix everything until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Step 4: Shape and Cook the Meatballs

Shape the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get about 20-24 meatballs. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides (they don’t need to be cooked through, as they will finish cooking in the oven). Set the browned meatballs aside.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 6: Add the Sour Cream and Cream

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Combine Noodles, Meatballs, and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, browned meatballs, and the creamy sauce. Gently stir everything together until the noodles and meatballs are well coated in the sauce.

Step 8: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 9: Add Cheese Topping (Optional)

If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle the shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 10: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this is a straightforward recipe, there are a few common mistakes to avoid to ensure your Swedish Meatball Casserole turns out perfectly:

• Overmixing the Meatballs: Be careful not to overmix the meatball ingredients. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so mix just until everything is combined.
• Skipping the Browning Step: Browning the meatballs adds flavor and helps them hold their shape. Don’t skip this step, even if you’re short on time.
• Overcooking the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles to al dente (firm to the bite) because they will continue to cook slightly in the oven. Overcooked noodles can turn mushy.
• Not Thickening the Sauce Enough: Make sure the sauce thickens properly on the stovetop before mixing it with the noodles and meatballs. If the sauce is too thin, the casserole may turn out runny.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This comforting casserole is best served fresh out of the oven, but you can elevate it even further with some thoughtful presentation tips.

How to Serve Swedish Meatball Casserole

• Serve the casserole family-style by placing it directly on the table in the baking dish, allowing everyone to help themselves.
• Pair it with a side of garlic bread, crusty rolls, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• For a heartier dinner, serve alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Presentation Ideas for Swedish Meatball Casserole

• Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill adds color and brightness to the dish.
• Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, portion the casserole into individual ramekins or oven-safe bowls and bake them that way.
• Swedish Touch: Serve the casserole with a side of lingonberry jam—a traditional Swedish accompaniment to Swedish meatballs.

Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully! To freeze, assemble the casserole (without the cheese topping), cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, top with cheese, and bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
A: Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the casserole.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Q: Can I substitute the egg noodles with something else?
A: Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as rotini, penne, or fusilli. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente before adding it to the casserole.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from being too thin?
A: Ensure that the sauce thickens properly on the stovetop before combining it with the noodles and meatballs. If it’s too thin, let it cook for a few extra minutes, or add a bit more flour to the roux.

Conclusion

This Swedish Meatball Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—savory meatballs, creamy sauce, and tender egg noodles, all baked together in one delicious dish. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or as a make-ahead meal when you want something rich and satisfying. With the option to customize the ingredients and plenty of tips to ensure success, this casserole is sure to become a household favorite. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delicious, homestyle meal that’s both comforting and easy to make!

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