Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe

If you love the creamy, comforting flavors of Swedish meatballs but want something even more indulgent and easy to prepare, this Swedish Meatball Casserole is the perfect dish! Combining all the best parts of traditional Swedish meatballs—tender beef, rich gravy, and egg noodles—this casserole is a one-dish wonder that brings the flavors together in an oven-baked, cheesy delight. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you're in the mood for something hearty and satisfying, this casserole is sure to become a favorite!

this Recipe

What is a “Swedish Meatball Casserole”?

A Swedish Meatball Casserole takes the classic Swedish meatballs, known for their juicy, tender texture and creamy, flavorful gravy, and transforms them into a comforting baked casserole. This dish features seasoned meatballs layered with egg noodles and smothered in a rich cream sauce, topped with cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden. It’s a cozy, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients List for Swedish Meatball Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Swedish Meatball Casserole:

For the Meatballs:

1. 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
2. ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian style)
3. 1 egg (lightly beaten)
4. ¼ cup milk
5. 1 small onion (finely chopped)
6. 2 cloves garlic (minced)
7. ½ teaspoon ground allspice (classic in Swedish meatballs)
8. ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
9. Salt and pepper to taste
10. 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the meatballs)

For the Casserole:

1. 12 oz egg noodles (or any short pasta)
2. 2 tablespoons butter
3. 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4. 2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
5. 1 cup sour cream
6. ½ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
7. 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
8. 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a little tang)
9. 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese (for topping)
10. Salt and pepper to taste
11. Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Ingredients List for Swedish Meatball Casserole (Healthier Option)

For a lighter version of this Swedish Meatball Casserole, you can make the following substitutions:

1. 1 lb ground turkey (instead of beef for a leaner option)
2. ½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
3. Low-fat sour cream (instead of regular)
4. Whole wheat or gluten-free egg noodles (for more fiber or a gluten-free option)
5. Low-fat milk (instead of heavy cream)
6. Reduced-fat cheese (for a lighter topping)

Substitutions and Variations

This casserole is quite versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences:

• Protein Options: Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or a blend of meats.
• Cheese: Mozzarella or Swiss cheese works great, but you can also use Parmesan, cheddar, or Gruyère for a different flavor.
• Vegetables: Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or green beans to make the dish more nutritious.
• Egg Noodles: If you don’t have egg noodles, you can use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Swedish Meatball Casserole:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, garlic, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should get about 20-25 meatballs.
4. Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides (they don’t have to be fully cooked as they’ll finish cooking in the oven). Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

1. Boil the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Make a Roux: In the same skillet where you browned the meatballs, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
2. Add the Broth: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add Cream and Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard (if using). Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Combine Meatballs and Noodles: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles and the browned meatballs. Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
2. Transfer to a Baking Dish: Pour the meatball and noodle mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake

1. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
2. Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
3. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

How to Cook Swedish Meatball Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Meatballs: Mix and form the meatballs, then brown them in a skillet to lock in flavor.
2. Cook the Noodles: Boil the egg noodles until al dente.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Create a smooth, rich gravy with beef broth, sour cream, and seasonings.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Toss the noodles, meatballs, and sauce together, then transfer to a baking dish.
5. Top and Bake: Cover with cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Meatballs: Don’t fully cook the meatballs in the skillet. Just brown them to seal in flavor since they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
2. Overcooking the Noodles: Make sure the noodles are just al dente. Overcooked noodles will become mushy after baking.
3. Undersalting the Sauce: Taste the sauce before assembling the casserole to ensure it’s well-seasoned. The noodles and meatballs will absorb some of the seasoning, so don’t be shy with salt and pepper.
4. Skipping the Browning Step: Browning the meatballs adds depth of flavor, so don’t skip this step even though it takes a little extra time.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Even though this dish is hearty and comforting, you can still make it look elegant with a few easy touches:

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or dill over the top for color and freshness.
2. Serve with Sides: This casserole pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad.
3. Portion Control: Slice the casserole into squares and serve individual portions for a neat presentation.

How to Serve Swedish Meatball Casserole

• Family Style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish at the table, allowing everyone to help themselves.
• Individual Portions: Cut the casserole into squares and plate each portion individually for a more formal dinner presentation.

Presentation Ideas for Swedish Meatball Casserole

1. Rustic Serving Dish: Use a rustic cast iron skillet or ceramic dish to give the casserole a cozy, homestyle feel.
2. Herb Garnish: Top with chopped fresh parsley, dill, or even a little lemon zest to brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise.
3. Cheesy Crust: For a golden, cheesy crust, broil the casserole for the last 2 minutes of baking.

Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Assemble it, but don’t bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs to save time. Just thaw and brown them in the skillet before assembling the casserole.

Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free noodles. Ensure your beef broth is also gluten-free.

Q: How can I make this casserole healthier?
A: Use ground turkey or chicken for the meatballs, substitute whole wheat noodles, and use low-fat sour cream and milk instead of heavy cream.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A: Yes, feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or even peas to the casserole for added nutrition and flavor.

Q: How do I make the casserole spicier?
A: To add a bit of spice, you can incorporate a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes into the meatball mixture or sauce.

Conclusion

This Swedish Meatball Casserole is the perfect dish for when you want something comforting, hearty, and full of flavor. With tender meatballs, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness, it’s the ideal combination of savory and indulgent. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is sure to impress. Try out the variations and make it your own—just be prepared for everyone to ask for seconds! Enjoy!

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