The Best Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting a delightful swedish meatball casserole brings pure comfort right to your dinner table.

Cozy nights call for hearty dishes that warm the soul and spark conversation.

Tender meatballs nestled in a creamy sauce create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Lingonberry jam adds a tangy twist to this classic Scandinavian-inspired meal.

Rich, savory ingredients blend seamlessly to transport you to a charming kitchen in stockholm.

Every bite promises a delectable journey through traditional nordic cuisine.

Come explore this irresistible recipe that will become your new favorite family feast!

Ingredients for Swedish Meatball Casserole

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and lean protein that forms the primary base of the meatballs.
• Ground Pork: Adds richness and helps create a more tender meatball texture.

• Egg: Helps bind the meat mixture together and provides structure to the meatballs.
• Salt, Pepper, Nutmeg: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall depth and warmth of the meatball flavor.

• Egg Noodles: A soft and classic pasta that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and meatballs.

• Butter, Onions, Garlic: Create a flavorful foundation for the creamy sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken and stabilize the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Provides a rich, savory liquid base for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and smooth texture to the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a tangy and complex depth to the sauce.
• Sour Cream: Contributes a slight tanginess and additional creaminess.

• Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish that adds a salty and nutty finish to the casserole.

How to Cook Swedish Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Noodles

Fire up your oven to 350°F.

Boil the egg noodles following the package guidelines, drain, and set aside.

Step 2: Create Tasty Meatballs

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Egg
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Nutmeg

Blend ingredients thoroughly and form into small round meatballs.

Heat a skillet and brown the meatballs until they develop a delicious golden exterior.

Transfer meatballs to a separate plate.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Sauce

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sprinkle flour into the pan and stir.

Slowly pour in beef broth, whisking continuously.

Add heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and sour cream.

Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer cooked noodles into a baking dish.

Gently fold in the meatballs and pour the luxurious sauce over everything.

Optional: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for extra richness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges bubble with deliciousness.

Tips for Swedish Meatball Casserole

• Combine ground beef and pork for a richer, more complex flavor that elevates traditional meatballs.
• Whisk broth and cream gradually to prevent lumps and create a silky, luxurious sauce.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to bring warmth and depth to the meatball seasoning, enhancing the overall taste profile.
• Thoroughly brown meatballs before baking to develop a delicious caramelized exterior and seal in juicy flavors.
• Sprinkle Parmesan on top for a crispy, golden finish that adds a salty, umami touch to the casserole.

Variations on Swedish Meatball Casserole

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free egg noodles or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap ground meats with plant-based crumbles or lentil-mushroom mixture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for the sauce.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk cream. Replace sour cream with dairy-free yogurt or cashew cream.
• Lighter Health Boost: Use lean ground turkey instead of beef and pork. Add extra herbs like parsley or dill for added nutrition and flavor. Incorporate Greek yogurt for a protein-packed, lower-fat sauce base.

Serving Swedish Meatball Casserole

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this hearty casserole with warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
• Nordic-Inspired Side Plate: Pair with quick pickled cucumbers or a crisp green salad to balance the rich, savory flavors of the Swedish meatball casserole.
• Comfort Food Feast: Top with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a bright pop of color and added freshness that cuts through the creamy, meaty dish.
• Wine Pairing Pleasure: Complement the casserole with a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp Pilsner beer to enhance the traditional Swedish taste profile.

Storing Swedish Meatball Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for Swedish meatballs?

Ground beef, ground pork, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg are the primary ingredients for creating authentic Swedish meatball flavor. The combination of two meats gives the meatballs a rich, complex taste.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour for the sauce and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to bind the meatballs. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Swedish meatball casserole is creamy, mild in flavor, and served over noodles, which makes it very appealing to children. The soft texture and comforting taste are perfect for young eaters.

Swedish Meatball Casserole That Warms You Up

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal prep and easy ingredients mean you can have a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques or spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy sauce, tender meatballs, and satisfying noodles that make this dish a crowd-pleasing meal everyone can enjoy together.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, add extra cheese, or adjust seasonings to make this recipe perfectly suited to your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.

Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Swedish meatball casserole brings comfort straight from Scandinavian kitchens to dinner tables worldwide. Creamy sauce, tender meatballs, and golden breadcrumbs create a delightful meal you’ll savor with each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork

Noodles and Dairy:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) egg noodles
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare egg noodles following package guidelines until perfectly al dente.
2. Combine ground beef, ground pork, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Carefully shape into uniform meatballs and sear in a hot skillet until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Using the same skillet, caramelize onions and garlic in melted butter. Dust with flour and create a silky sauce by gradually incorporating beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and sour cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
4. Transfer cooked noodles into a casserole dish, gently fold in the creamy sauce and perfectly browned meatballs, ensuring even distribution.
5. Optionally garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor complexity.
6. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden and the sauce bubbles enthusiastically around the edges.

Notes

• Customize the meat blend by swapping ground pork with ground turkey for a lighter version or using all beef for simplicity.
• Enhance meatball flavor by adding finely chopped fresh parsley or dill for a herbaceous touch that complements the Scandinavian profile.
• Make the dish gluten-free by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free egg noodles.
• Prep meatballs ahead of time and freeze for quick weeknight meals, saving time and ensuring a convenient dinner solution.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg