Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Food Casserole
When cozy comfort meets indulgent flavor, you get Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake a creamy, cheesy, beefy masterpiece that warms the soul and fills the belly. This crowd-pleasing casserole features homemade meatballs, savory sauce, buttery noodles, and melted Swiss cheese baked to perfection.
Ingredients and Their Flavorful Purpose
For the Meatballs:
- 2 tbsp olive oil – For browning the meatballs and creating rich flavor.
- 1 pound ground beef – Use 80/20 for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
- 1 large egg, beaten – Binds the mixture.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs – Keeps meatballs tender.
- ½ onion, grated – Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
- ½ tsp garlic powder – Enhances savoriness.
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg – Classic Swedish flavor.
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Casserole:
- 2 ½ cups egg noodles
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, grated
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How to Make Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Meatballs: Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Roll into 1½ tbsp-sized balls.
- Sear the Meatballs: Heat oil in a skillet and brown meatballs on all sides. Set aside.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil noodles 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add broth, Worcestershire, and cream. Simmer 10 minutes. Season to taste.
- Assemble: Layer noodles in baking dish, top with meatballs, pour sauce over, and sprinkle with Swiss cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, until bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Swedish flavors meet cozy casserole comfort.
- Homemade meatballs = major flavor.
- One-dish wonder.
- Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Pro Tips for the Best Bake
- Grate onion finely for even distribution.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt.
- Sear meatballs—don’t fully cook them before baking.
- Prep ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted veggies like carrots or Brussels sprouts
- Garlic bread for mopping up sauce
- Dry white wine or lemon sparkling water
Final Thoughts
This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is creamy, cheesy, and satisfying—the kind of dish that becomes a family favorite. Simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any night of the week.
