The Ultimate Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort cuisine reaches new heights with this Swedish meatball casserole that blends traditional Nordic flavors into a hearty one-pan meal.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delectable dish passed down through family traditions.

Tender beef and pork meatballs nestle within a creamy sauce that promises pure satisfaction.

Rich, velvety textures combine with aromatic spices to create a memorable dining experience.

Lingonberry jam adds a sweet-tart contrast that elevates the entire composition.

Warm, inviting, and surprisingly simple to prepare, you’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite at your dinner table.

One bite transports you straight to a cozy Scandinavian kitchen, ready to savor every delicious moment.

Sides That Elevate Swedish Meatball Casserole

• Cozy Family Feast: Serve this Swedish meatball casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy sauce. The fresh greens cut through the heaviness and add a refreshing contrast.
• Scandinavian Style Plate: Pair the dish with lingonberry jam on the side. The tart, sweet preserve complements the savory meatballs perfectly and adds an authentic Nordic touch.
• Comfort Carb Companion: Offer buttered crusty bread or garlic toast alongside the casserole. These will help soak up the delicious creamy sauce and provide extra texture to the meal.
• Nordic Comfort Combo: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or dill for a pop of color and bright herbal flavor. This simple addition enhances the presentation and adds a fresh element to the hearty dish.

Tips for Maintaining Freshness Overnight

• Refrigerate leftover Swedish Meatball Casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Store in shallow containers to help cool quickly and prevent bacterial growth.
• Avoid leaving the casserole at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
• Freeze the casserole for longer storage, keeping it fresh for up to 2-3 months.

FAQs

• What gives Swedish meatballs their unique flavor?

The combination of allspice and nutmeg creates the signature warm, slightly sweet taste that distinguishes Swedish meatballs from other meatball recipes, providing a distinctive Nordic-inspired flavor profile.

• Can I use only ground beef instead of mixing beef and pork?

While you can use just ground beef, the combination of beef and pork provides a more complex and richer flavor. The pork adds moisture and helps create a more tender meatball texture.

• Is this recipe traditional or Americanized?

This recipe is an Americanized version of Swedish meatballs, adapted for home cooking. Traditional Swedish meatballs would typically be served with lingonberry jam and have a slightly different preparation method.

Swedish Meatball Casserole: Scandi Comfort

Savor Comfort on a Plate: Discover why this Swedish Meatball Casserole is a total winner!

• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Combines classic Swedish meatball flavors with the convenience of a one-dish meal that brings everyone together around the table.
• Stress-Free Cooking: Requires minimal prep work and uses simple ingredients, making it an ideal option for home cooks of all skill levels who want maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Customizable Creativity: Easily adaptable with optional cheese topping or side dish variations, allowing you to personalize the recipe to suit your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Nostalgic Comfort Food: Delivers rich, creamy sauce and tender meatballs that transport you to a cozy kitchen, providing a warm and satisfying dining experience that feels like a culinary hug.

Ingredients to Gather for Swedish Meatball Bake

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Classic combination that provides rich and balanced flavor for traditional Swedish meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg: Help hold the meatballs together and create a tender texture.
• Diced Onion: Adds moisture and subtle sweetness to the meat mixture.

• Garlic Powder, Allspice, Nutmeg, Salt, Pepper: Classic Swedish meatball spice profile that creates warm and complex flavor notes.

• Butter: Provides rich base for creating roux and browning meatballs.
• Flour: Essential for thickening the sauce and creating smooth texture.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Sour Cream, Heavy Cream: Create a creamy and luxurious sauce consistency.

• Egg Noodles: Traditional pasta base that absorbs and complements the meatball sauce.

• Shredded Cheese: Adds extra richness and golden-brown finish to the casserole.

Your Guide to Swedish Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Meatball Mixture

• Garlic powder
• Allspice
• Nutmeg
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend ingredients thoroughly and shape into small, bite-sized meatballs.

Step 2: Brown Delicious Meatballs

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium temperature. Carefully brown meatballs on all sides until they develop a rich, golden exterior.

Transfer browned meatballs to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce Base

Using the same skillet, melt additional butter and whisk in flour to create a smooth roux.

Gradually pour beef broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Let the sauce simmer and thicken.

Step 4: Enhance Sauce With Creamy Goodness

Stir in sour cream and heavy cream. Return meatballs to the skillet and let them simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Assemble Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer cooked egg noodles as the base and pour the meatball sauce mixture evenly over the top.

Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheese for extra richness.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Place casserole in the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges become bubbly. Remove and let cool slightly before serving.

Chef’s Tip for Perfectly Tender Meatballs

• Swap ground pork with ground turkey for a leaner protein option that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
• Freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for quick future meals.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting beef broth – add slowly and whisk continuously to prevent lumpy texture.
• Add fresh chopped parsley or dill on top for a bright, herbal flavor that complements the rich, creamy sauce.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Twist Ideas to Make It Your Own

• Gluten-Free Swedish Meatball Casserole: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or almond flour. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for the roux to maintain the recipe's creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap sour cream and heavy cream with coconut cream and unsweetened coconut yogurt. Use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing meatballs.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute ground meat with plant-based crumbles or lentil-mushroom blend. Use vegetable broth and add extra herbs like thyme and rosemary for depth of flavor.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace egg noodles with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds for binding meatballs.

Easy Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Swedish meatball casserole brings classic Nordic comfort to your dinner table. Hearty layers of tender meatballs, creamy sauce, and buttery noodles create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 0.5 pound (227 grams) ground pork

Dry Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon allspice
• 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons flour

Base and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 egg
• 3 cups cooked egg noodles
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the ground meat mixture by combining beef, pork, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, and spices. Gently form compact, uniform meatballs approximately one-inch in diameter.
2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium temperature. Carefully brown meatballs on all surfaces until golden, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. Using the same skillet, create a smooth roux by melting additional butter and whisking in flour. Gradually incorporate beef broth while continuously stirring to prevent lumpy texture.
4. Simmer the sauce until it reaches a thick, velvety consistency. Blend in sour cream and heavy cream to enhance richness.
5. Return browned meatballs to the creamy sauce, allowing them to gently simmer for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
6. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and evenly distribute cooked egg noodles across the bottom.
7. Pour the meatball and sauce mixture over the noodles, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheese across the top for added decadence.
9. Place in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the surface turns golden and edges become bubbly.
10. Allow the casserole to rest for several minutes before serving to help set the sauce and enhance flavor melding.

Notes

• Gently mix the ground beef and pork without overworking to keep meatballs tender and light.
• Ensure meatballs are evenly browned on all sides for maximum flavor development and appetizing color.
• Whisk the roux and broth slowly to prevent lumps, creating a silky, creamy sauce that coats the meatballs beautifully.
• Swap wheat breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs and use cornstarch instead of flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 494 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg