Who can resist the comforting flavors of Swedish meatballs? These tender, spiced meatballs paired with a creamy sauce are the ultimate cozy meal. While traditionally served with mashed potatoes, I prefer to combine them with hearty egg noodles for a one-dish casserole that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. This recipe brings together the rich flavors of ground beef, nutmeg, and garlic, all baked in a savory sauce with melted Swiss cheese. Perfect for family dinners or a comforting night in, this Baked Noodles with Swedish Meatballs Casserole is sure to become a household favorite!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, whisked
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- ¼ tsp nutmeg powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp coarse salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Casserole:
- 2½ cups egg noodles
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1½ cups grated Swiss cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prep:
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- Boil Noodles: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook egg noodles for 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. Drain and set aside.
Making the Meatballs:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, whisked egg, chopped onion, nutmeg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Shape Meatballs: Using a spoon, scoop and form small meatballs from the mixture.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. (They don’t need to be fully cooked; they will finish in the oven.) Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Making the Sauce:
- Deglaze Pan: In the same skillet used for the meatballs, add the beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to release any bits stuck on the bottom of the pan.
- Thicken the Sauce: Simmer the sauce over medium heat for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
Assembling the Casserole:
- Layer the Noodles: Spread the cooked egg noodles evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Add Meatballs: Place the browned meatballs on top of the noodles.
- Pour the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the noodles and meatballs.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Swiss cheese over the top.
Baking:
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest: Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish:
- Sprinkle the casserole with fresh chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
Enjoy!
- Serve the casserole hot and savor the creamy, savory goodness of Swedish meatballs with tender egg noodles.