If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the cozy comfort of meatballs with the satisfying heartiness of a noodle casserole, then this Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe is your answer. It’s a delightful blend of tender, flavorful meatballs nestled alongside perfectly cooked egg noodles, all smothered in a creamy, savory sauce and topped with gooey Swiss cheese. This dish effortlessly brings together textures and flavors that feel both familiar and wonderfully indulgent, creating a family-friendly meal that shines on weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe plays an essential role in balancing flavor, texture, and richness, and you’ll find they’re simple staples that come together beautifully to create a crowd-pleasing dish.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps brown the meatballs to perfection.
- Ground beef: The hearty base of the meatballs, providing robust flavor and satisfying texture.
- Large egg, beaten: Acts as the binding agent to keep the meatballs tender and intact.
- Breadcrumbs: Lighten the meatballs and give them a lovely structure without being dense.
- Grated onion: Imparts moisture and a gentle sweetness to the meatballs.
- Garlic powder: Adds a warm, earthy depth without overpowering the dish.
- Ground nutmeg: Offers a subtle hint of spice that’s classic in Swedish meatball dishes.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Egg noodles: Tender and slightly chewy, they’re the perfect canvas for the creamy sauce and juicy meatballs.
- Beef broth: Enhances the savory elements and forms the base of the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings a tangy umami boost that complements the meat’s richness.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and indulgent.
- Swiss cheese, grated: Melts beautifully to create a golden, bubbly crust on top.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a burst of color and brightness when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray so your cheesy, saucy masterpiece slides out easily after baking. This step is simple but sets the stage for a hassle-free bake.
Step 2: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated onion, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently until the ingredients are just combined to keep your meatballs tender. Then, roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 ½ tablespoons each—perfect bite-sized portions that cook evenly.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and carefully add your meatballs. Brown them on all sides until they develop a gorgeous caramelized crust. This step locks in juices and adds flavor, so don’t rush it! Once browned, set the meatballs aside—you’ll finish cooking them in the oven.
Step 4: Cook Noodles
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package directions, but drain them about two minutes early so they don’t get mushy in the bake. Drain and set aside—they’ll soak up the sauce without falling apart.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet used for the meatballs, add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it reduce for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This rich sauce is the glue that holds the bake together and elevates the flavor to something truly comforting.
Step 6: Assemble & Bake
Place the cooked noodles into your prepared baking dish, then nestle the meatballs evenly on top. Pour the creamy sauce all over, making sure every nook and cranny is covered. Finally, sprinkle the grated Swiss cheese generously over everything—that gorgeous cheese topping is what turns this into a bubbling, irresistible bake.
Step 7: Bake
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly crust. Once out of the oven, let the bake rest for about 5 minutes to settle, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
Step 8: Serve
Finish your Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe with a sprinkling of fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness. Grab a big spoon and dive into a plateful of creamy, cheesy, meaty goodness—you deserve it!
How to Serve Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the perfect garnish for this dish as it cuts through the creaminess with a fresh, herbal note and adds a lovely green contrast to the golden cheese. You can also experiment with a sprinkle of extra black pepper or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze for an interesting flavor twist.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs beautifully with crisp, bright sides to balance the richness. Think of a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, or even a side of pickled cucumbers to echo classic Swedish flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try making this recipe in individual ramekins for personal servings, or layer it in a deep-dish pie for a casserole-style presentation. You could also top it with a mix of Swiss and sharp cheddar cheeses if you want an extra layer of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully and the flavors even deepen overnight, making it a great make-ahead meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the bake either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely, then wrap well with plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though oven reheating will keep the cheese topping at its best.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter twist, but be mindful they tend to be leaner and may require a bit more moisture or fat to keep the meatballs juicy.
What other types of cheese can I use?
Swiss cheese is traditional for this recipe, but Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar can work wonderfully if you want to switch things up or what you have on hand is different.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free egg noodles to accommodate gluten sensitivities without losing any flavor or texture.
Is it okay to make the sauce dairy-free?
You can swap the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative. Just note that this will alter the flavor profile slightly but still deliver a deliciously creamy experience.
How long do the meatballs stay good after cooking?
Once cooked, meatballs will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you’re not planning to eat them within that time, freezing is a great option to keep them safe and tasty.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe enough if you’re craving a plate of hearty comfort with a touch of elegance. It’s a warm hug of a meal that comes together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, yet delivers extraordinary flavor. Give it a try and watch it become one of your family favorites, perfect for any night you want a meal that feels lovingly homemade.
Print
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Description
A comforting and hearty Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake featuring tender homemade meatballs, creamy sauce, and tender egg noodles topped with melted Swiss cheese. This casserole combines classic Swedish flavors in an easy-to-make baked dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 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
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, grated
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prepare it for the noodle bake.
- 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 thoroughly and form the mixture into meatballs about 1 ½ tablespoons in size.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook Noodles: Bring salted water to a boil and cook egg noodles for 2 minutes less than the package instructions indicate to keep them slightly underdone. Drain the noodles and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Using the same skillet, add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream. Simmer the mixture over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until it thickens slightly. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble & Bake: Place the cooked noodles evenly in the greased baking dish. Arrange the browned meatballs on top of the noodles, pour the creamy sauce evenly over everything, and sprinkle the grated Swiss cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake the assembled dish in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or pork if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make breadcrumbs gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs.
- If you want extra crispy meatballs, you can broil the assembled dish for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
