Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic Swedish dish with this hearty Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake. This recipe combines tender, flavorful meatballs with creamy noodles and melted Swiss cheese, creating a satisfying meal that is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. The rich sauce, seasoned with nutmeg and Worcestershire sauce, adds a unique twist that elevates this casserole to a new level of deliciousness. Follow these simple steps to bring a touch of Sweden to your dinner table.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 pound 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
For the Casserole:
- 2 ½ cups egg noodles
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated onion, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the ingredients until just combined.
- Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture to form the meatballs.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the meatballs to the hot oil and cook until all sides are browned.
- Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Add the egg noodles and cook for two minutes less than the package directions indicate to ensure they are slightly undercooked.
- Drain the noodles and set aside.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the meatballs, add the beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance the flavor.
- Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, then remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
- Place the cooked noodles into the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the meatballs on top of the noodles.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the pasta and meatballs.
- Sprinkle the grated Swiss cheese over the entire dish.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to set.
Step 8: Serve
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a delightful combination of tender meatballs, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for a comforting family dinner. The dish is easy to prepare and makes for a wonderful meal on any night of the week.