There are few dishes as comforting and universally loved as Swedish meatballs. But what if you could transform that classic flavor into a hearty, family-friendly casserole? This Swedish Meatball Casserole recipe does just that. It combines tender, spiced meatballs and soft egg noodles, all baked in a rich, creamy gravy that’s impossible to resist. It’s the perfect one-pan meal for a busy weeknight, delivering all the cozy flavors you crave with minimal fuss.
We’ve developed this recipe to be straightforward and packed with authentic flavor. Forget complicated steps; this is about simple, high-quality ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Get ready to add a new staple to your dinner rotation that your family will ask for again and again.
What Makes This The Best Swedish Meatball Casserole?
This isn’t just another casserole recipe; it’s a carefully crafted dish designed for maximum flavor and ease. The secret lies in the balance of spices in the meatballs—a classic blend of allspice and nutmeg—and the luxuriously creamy sauce made with beef broth and sour cream. Unlike other recipes that can be bland, this one ensures every single bite is rich, savory, and deeply satisfying. We bake it until it’s bubbly and golden, creating a perfect texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to build its signature comforting flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Meatballs:
- Ground Meats: A combination of ground beef and ground pork provides the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These keep the meatballs light and moist.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
- Spices: Allspice and nutmeg are non-negotiable for that authentic Swedish meatball taste.
For the Casserole & Creamy Sauce:
- Egg Noodles: Their curly shape is perfect for catching all the delicious sauce.
- Butter & Flour: The foundation of our roux, creating a thick and creamy sauce.
- Beef Broth: Provides a deep, savory base for the gravy.
- Sour Cream: Adds the signature tang and velvety texture to the sauce. Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard enhance the complexity.
- Cheese: A layer of melted cheese on top adds a wonderful golden crust. While not strictly traditional, it makes the casserole extra delicious.
How to Make Swedish Meatball Casserole Step-by-Step
Making this dish is incredibly simple. We’ll start by making the meatballs, then the sauce, and finally, we’ll bring it all together in one glorious bake.
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef, ground pork, Panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced onion, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. In a large skillet, brown the meatballs on all sides. You don’t need to cook them through at this stage. Once browned, set them aside.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
While the meatballs are browning, cook the egg noodles according to package directions until they are al dente. Drain them well and set aside. Cooking them al dente is key, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Gravy
In the same skillet you used for the meatballs, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to create a roux. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for a few minutes. Finally, stir in the sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, the prepared meatballs, and the creamy gravy. Gently toss everything together until the noodles and meatballs are evenly coated. Pour this mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. If you like, you can top it with some shredded cheese like mozzarella or provolone for an extra gooey finish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown. For a truly irresistible dish, try making our easy meatball recipe from scratch!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Swedish Meatball Casserole turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips:
- Don’t Overmix the Meatballs: Mix the meatball ingredients until just combined. Overworking the meat will result in tough, dense meatballs.
- Use Room Temperature Sour Cream: Bringing your sour cream to room temperature before adding it to the hot sauce will prevent it from curdling and ensure a smooth gravy.
- Freshly Grate Your Nutmeg: For the most authentic and aromatic flavor, use a whole nutmeg and grate it fresh. It makes a world of difference!
- Let It Rest: After taking the casserole out of the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the sauce to set and makes it easier to serve. If you’re looking for another comforting bake, this baked spaghetti and meatballs is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
What to Serve with Your Casserole
This casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the sauce. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli also make excellent companions. And of course, a side of lingonberry jam is a classic pairing for anything Swedish meatball-related! For a starter, consider these delicious mini caprese mozzarella bites.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This casserole is just as delicious the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either microwave individual portions or place the entire casserole dish back in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, until heated through (about 20-25 minutes). If the sauce seems too thick after reheating, you can stir in a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen it up.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This is a great recipe for meal prep. You can assemble the entire casserole without baking it, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake as directed, adding about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be starting from cold.
FAQs
Yes, you can use pre-cooked frozen meatballs to save time. There’s no need to thaw them first. Simply add them to the sauce and noodles, and increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure they are heated through.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
The key is to use room temperature sour cream and to remove the skillet from the heat before stirring it in. Adding cold dairy to a very hot liquid can cause it to separate or curdle. Whisk it in gently until the sauce is smooth.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli, or a side of cranberry or lingonberry jam for a traditional touch.
Wide egg noodles are the classic choice as their texture and shape hold the creamy sauce perfectly. However, you could also use other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or even macaroni if that’s what you have on hand.
More Comforting Recipes to Try
We hope you love this cozy Swedish Meatball Casserole! It’s a true comfort food classic that brings warmth and smiles to the dinner table. If you enjoyed making it, be sure to leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. For more delicious recipe inspiration, follow us on Pinterest!
Swedish Meatball Casserole
Swedish Meatball Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, Panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced onion, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Roll into 1-inch meatballs. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking continuously until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, browned meatballs, and the creamy sauce. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ensure your sour cream is at room temperature to prevent the sauce from curdling.
This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
