Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a comforting, hearty casserole packed with homemade meatballs, tender egg noodles, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Baked to golden perfection, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it combines the best of two classic comfort foods—Swedish meatballs and a cheesy noodle bake. The homemade meatballs are tender and full of warm spices, while the rich, creamy sauce brings everything together. The melted Swiss cheese on top adds the perfect finishing touch, making every bite absolutely irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Meatballs:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 pound ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg, beaten
½ onion, grated
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp Kosher salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Casserole:
1 cup beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 ½ cups egg noodles
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, grated
Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set it aside.
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated onion, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Combine until just mixed. Scoop and roll 1 ½ tablespoons of the mixture into meatballs.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
Cook the egg noodles in salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
Place the cooked noodles in the prepared baking dish and top with the meatballs. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over everything, then sprinkle with grated Swiss cheese.
Bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 480 kcal per serving
Variations
Meat Choices: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter version.
Cheese Options: Instead of Swiss cheese, try mozzarella, cheddar, or Gouda for a different flavor.
Extra Vegetables: Add mushrooms, spinach, or peas to the sauce for extra nutrients.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and swap egg noodles for gluten-free pasta.
Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the baked casserole in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
Related Recipes:
- Best Swedish Meatballs
- Creamy Italian Meatball Soup
- Quick & Delicious Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
FAQs
How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?
Mix the ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat. The breadcrumbs and egg help bind the mixture together.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking.
What can I serve with this dish?
A simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pairs well with this rich and creamy casserole.
Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Absolutely! If short on time, use frozen or pre-cooked meatballs and follow the same steps.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
Undercook the noodles slightly before baking since they will continue cooking in the oven.
Conclusion
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together rich flavors, tender meatballs, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Whether serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is a satisfying and delicious option. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your home too.
📖 Recipe:
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Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a hearty, comforting casserole loaded with homemade meatballs, tender egg noodles, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Baked to golden perfection, this dish is the perfect cozy family dinner or meal prep recipe.
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
Casserole:
2 ½ cups egg noodles
1 cup beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, grated
Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Make the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Roll into 1 ½ tbsp-sized meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook meatballs until browned on all sides, then set aside.
- Cook Noodles: Boil egg noodles in salted water for 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble & Bake: Place noodles in the baking dish, top with meatballs, pour sauce over, and sprinkle with Swiss cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Notes
Meat Substitutes: Try ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
Cheese Variations: Swap Swiss for mozzarella, cheddar, or Gouda.
Vegetable Additions: Mix in mushrooms, spinach, or peas for extra nutrients.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.
Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 480 kcal
