Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake brings all the rich and savory flavors of traditional Swedish meatballs into a family-style casserole that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing. With homemade spiced meatballs, a creamy beef gravy, and tender egg noodles baked until bubbly, this dish delivers comfort in every forkful. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a potluck favorite, this is a no-fuss crowd-pleaser that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines classic Swedish meatball flavors in a simple bake
• Features a rich, creamy homemade sauce with beef broth and cream
• Ideal for make-ahead meals or cozy Sunday dinners
• Kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and totally satisfying
• Ready in about an hour with mostly pantry ingredients

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Noodle Bake:

• 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

• In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp allspice
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
• Roll mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 20–24 meatballs.

Cook the Meatballs

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add meatballs in batches (if needed) and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes.
• Remove from skillet and set aside on a plate.

Make the Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in 2 tbsp flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbling (this creates a roux).
• Slowly whisk in 2 cups beef broth, followed by 1 cup heavy cream.
• Stir in 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened, whisking frequently to keep smooth.

Assemble the Casserole

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles and the cooked meatballs.
• Pour the cream sauce over the mixture and gently toss to coat evenly.

Bake

• Transfer the noodle and meatball mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

Garnish and Serve

• Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
• Enjoy hot and creamy!

Pro Tips and Variations

• For extra flavor, brown the meatballs in butter instead of oil.
• Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy twist.
• Use half ground beef and half ground pork for a more traditional Swedish meatball blend.
• Add a pinch of dill or thyme to the sauce for Scandinavian flair.
• Make it ahead—assemble and refrigerate before baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a side of steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a fresh garden salad.
• Serve with lingonberry jam on the side for a true Swedish experience.
• Crusty bread or garlic knots go great with the creamy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the full dish in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes.
• Freezing tip: Freeze assembled but unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes! If short on time, substitute with frozen Swedish-style meatballs and skip the homemade step.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Consider adding a bit more roux (butter + flour) if using milk.

Can I add cheese?
Sure! Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or parmesan on top before baking for a cheesy finish.

Is this spicy?
Not at all. It’s gently seasoned with warm spices like nutmeg and allspice, but still mild.

Conclusion

This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is the ultimate comfort casserole—savory, creamy, and deeply satisfying. With its classic meatball spices and velvety sauce coating every bite of noodle, it’s an easy-to-make dish that turns any dinner into a cozy occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight family meal or a weekend potluck, this recipe guarantees empty plates and happy bellies.

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