Introduction
Looking for a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner? Look no further than this Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake! This delightful casserole combines tender meatballs, creamy sauce, and egg noodles for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and nostalgia. With its rich, savory taste and creamy texture, this baked pasta dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food Classic: A perfect blend of flavors that brings the warmth of Swedish cuisine right to your table.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple steps and straightforward ingredients make this dish a breeze to whip up.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required, as everything cooks in one dish.
- Kid-Friendly: A delightful way to introduce kids to new flavors while keeping them satisfied.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Ingredients List
For the Meatballs:
- ✔️ 🔹 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ✔️ 🔹 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- ✔️ 🔹 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ✔️ 🔹 1/4 cup chopped onion
- ✔️ 🔹 1 large egg
- ✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon salt
- ✔️ 🔹 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- ✔️ 🔹 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
For the Noodle Bake:
- ✔️ 🔹 8 ounces egg noodles
- ✔️ 🔹 2 cups beef broth
- ✔️ 🔹 1 cup sour cream
- ✔️ 🔹 1 cup heavy cream (or milk)
- ✔️ 🔹 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ✔️ 🔹 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- ✔️ 🔹 Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Note: For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card on cookingforhome.com.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set the Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Make the Meatballs
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parsley until well combined.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get approximately 20-24 meatballs.
3. Cook the Meatballs
- Brown the Meatballs: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked through, as they will finish baking in the oven. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Cook the Noodles
- Boil the Noodles: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. Prepare the Sauce
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, sour cream, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
6. Assemble the Bake
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, meatballs, and sauce. Gently stir until everything is well coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
7. Bake
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the noodle and meatball mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Cool and Serve
- Let It Rest: Allow the noodle bake to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set.
- Garnish: Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, you can add a dash of nutmeg to the sauce mixture, which is a classic seasoning in Swedish cuisine!
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meatballs with lentil or mushroom-based meatballs for a vegetarian version.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and egg noodles to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a bit of heat.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This casserole can be frozen before baking. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs! Just skip the meatball-making step and add them directly to the casserole. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
What can I serve with Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Try this recipe tonight, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and any variations you make in the comments below! For more delicious recipes, visit cookingforhome.com and follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more culinary inspiration. Enjoy your cooking adventure! 🍽️🥘✨
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Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake tonight
This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender meatballs, creamy sauce, and noodles for a perfect family meal! 🍝🥰✨
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen Swedish meatballs (or homemade)
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Noodles: In a large pot, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large baking dish, combine the cooked noodles, Swedish meatballs, and the sauce mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the noodle and meatball mixture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your comforting Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake tonight! 🍽️❤️