Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a comforting and satisfying dinner that combines tender, savory meatballs with a rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked noodles. Ready in under an hour, this one-dish bake is family-friendly, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy meals.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
- Diet: Contains Gluten and Dairy (can be modified)
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef or pork (or a mix)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg (a pinch)
Noodles
Creamy Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef or pork, breadcrumbs, egg, minced onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix gently until just combined and form small meatballs. Brown meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until golden on the outside but not fully cooked through. Set aside.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain. Slightly undercook them to prevent mushiness during baking. Set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in beef broth and sour cream or heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste.
- Combine Meatballs, Noodles, and Sauce: Gently fold the browned meatballs and cooked noodles into the creamy sauce. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and evenly top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Let cool for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meatballs to keep them tender and juicy.
- Slightly undercook noodles to avoid mushiness after baking.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and texture.
- Let the dish rest after baking to thicken the sauce.
- Customize heat levels by adding spices like smoked paprika or red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Swedish Meatball, Noodle Bake, Creamy Meatball Casserole, Comfort Food, One Dish Meal, Weeknight Dinner