If you love cozy dinners that bring comfort and joy in every bite, the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This dish combines perfectly seasoned, tender meatballs with creamy sauce and tender egg noodles, all topped with melted Swiss cheese for that irresistible golden crust. It’s a one-dish wonder that fills the kitchen with inviting aromas and satisfies hungry appetites with its rich, savory layers. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this bake is the kind of meal everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, straightforward ingredients is the first step to making this delightful Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe. Each item plays a key role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color, creating a dish that’s both filling and visually appealing.
- Olive oil: Essential for browning meatballs and adding a subtle, fruity richness.
- Ground beef: The hearty base of your meatballs, providing savory flavor and satisfying texture.
- Egg, beaten: Binds the meatball ingredients together so they hold their shape during cooking.
- Breadcrumbs: Lighten the meatball texture while soaking up flavorful juices.
- Onion, grated: Adds sweetness and moisture without large chunks.
- Garlic powder: Brings warmth and depth to the seasoning profile.
- Ground nutmeg: A classic Swedish meatball spice that adds a hint of earthy warmth.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a slight bite and aromatic spice.
- Egg noodles: The comforting carbohydrate base that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Beef broth: Builds flavor depth in the sauce with savory richness.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle tang and umami boost to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety texture that makes the sauce so addicting.
- Swiss cheese, grated: Melts into a bubbly, golden topping with a mild nuttiness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A bright, fresh finish that cuts through the richness.
How to Make Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure your bake comes out beautifully without sticking. This prep step sets the stage for an easy cleanup and perfect presentation.
Step 2: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated onion, garlic powder, nutmeg, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mixing everything thoroughly ensures each meatball is packed with flavor and deliciously tender. Roll the mixture into 1 ½ tablespoon-sized meatballs—just the right size for even cooking and bursting with good taste.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a nice, golden crust. This step not only locks in juices but also adds a beautiful depth of flavor that you’ll notice in every bite. Once browned, set the meatballs aside—they’ll finish cooking in the oven with the noodles and sauce.
Step 4: Cook Noodles
While the meatballs brown, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles. Boil them for 2 minutes less than the package directions so they’re perfectly al dente and won’t get mushy during baking. Drain them well and set aside, ready to absorb all the creamy goodness coming their way.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet used for the meatballs, add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes until it thickens just enough to coat the noodles and meatballs. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to balance its rich, savory notes.
Step 6: Assemble & Bake
Layer the cooked noodles evenly in the greased baking dish. Scatter the browned meatballs on top, then pour the creamy sauce all over. To finish, sprinkle the grated Swiss cheese generously across the surface. This combination is what makes the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe such a comforting feast.
Step 7: Bake
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. During this time, the cheese will melt into a bubbly, golden topping, sealing in the flavors and creating that perfect crust everyone loves. After baking, let the dish rest for 5 minutes to settle and cool slightly before serving.
Step 8: Serve
Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the hot bake for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve this scrumptious Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe hot and watch it disappear from the plate in no time!
How to Serve Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a wonderful garnish, adding vibrant green color and a fresh herbaceous note that helps balance the creamy richness of the bake. You could also toss on a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or an extra grating of nutmeg for a warm finish that echoes the meatballs’ spices.
Side Dishes
To complement the luscious nature of the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe, consider serving a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette. Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables such as green beans, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts also make excellent sides, adding freshness and a subtle crunch alongside the creamy pasta bake.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a family dinner or gathering, try serving the bake in individual ramekins for a fun, personalized touch. You can layer the noodles, meatballs, sauce, and cheese in glass baking dishes to show off the beautiful layers, or add a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking for some crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop more as it sits, making the next day’s meal just as special. Keeping it chilled well ensures safety and quality for your next meal.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow the bake to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for even reheating and the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or thawed Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. For a quicker option, microwave in bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring gently to keep it evenly heated. Adding a splash of cream or broth before reheating helps maintain that lovely creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lighter alternative that still holds together nicely in meatballs. Just be sure to monitor cooking time carefully, as turkey can dry out faster than beef.
What kind of cheese can I substitute for Swiss?
Gruyère or mozzarella make great substitutes if you want something a bit different but equally melty and flavorful. Parmesan added on top can also add a nice sharpness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and egg noodles, or swap noodles altogether for a gluten-free pasta or even spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles for a lighter twist.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer before assembling the bake or whisk in a small teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in cold water while simmering to achieve your desired consistency.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe entirely in advance?
You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead, then assemble the bake just before baking. This saves time on the day you want to serve it and keeps it fresh.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe that makes it feel like a warm hug on a plate. With its joyful combination of flavors and textures, it’s a dish you’ll want to return to over and over again. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share it with your loved ones—because some meals are just too good not to enjoy together.
Print
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Description
This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a comforting and hearty casserole featuring tender homemade meatballs in a creamy sauce, layered over egg noodles and topped with melted Swiss cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines classic Swedish flavors with easy oven-baking for a satisfying meal in under an hour.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 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
Pasta & Sauce
- 2 ½ cups egg noodles
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, grated
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated onion, garlic powder, ground nutmeg, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well, then shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 ½ tablespoons each.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides, ensuring they are nicely seared but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Noodles: Boil egg noodles in salted water, cooking them for 2 minutes less than the package instructions to keep them slightly firm. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet used for the meatballs, pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble & Bake: Spread the cooked egg noodles evenly in the prepared baking dish. Arrange the browned meatballs on top, then pour the creamy sauce over everything. Sprinkle the grated Swiss cheese evenly across the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly. Once done, let it rest for 5 minutes to set before serving.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting Swedish classic with your family.
Notes
- For a twist, try using ground turkey or pork instead of beef.
- Make sure not to overcook the noodles before baking, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To reduce fat, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
- Breadcrumbs can be replaced with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
