Comforting Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Savory Swedish meatball casserole promises a comforting journey through Nordic culinary traditions.

Creamy sauce and tender meat create a delightful harmony on your plate.

Packed with rich flavors, this dish brings warmth to any dinner table.

Comfort food enthusiasts will adore the blend of classic ingredients.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of meaty goodness and smooth, velvety sauce.

Seasonal vegetables complement the hearty protein beautifully.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next cozy meal.

Comforting Swedish Meatball Casserole

• Savor Comfort in Every Bite: This Swedish meatball casserole brings home-style cooking to a whole new level of deliciousness.
• Foolproof Family Feast: Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal culinary expertise while delivering maximum flavor satisfaction.
• Crowd-Pleasing Convenience: One-pan preparation means less cleanup and more quality time with loved ones, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable with optional ingredient swaps or additional seasonings, ensuring the dish suits every family's taste preferences.

Ingredients List For Swedish Meatball Casserole

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

• Breadcrumbs, Milk, Egg: Help bind the meat together and create a soft, moist meatball texture.

• Diced Onion, Garlic Powder, Allspice, Nutmeg: Add warmth and depth of flavor characteristic to Swedish meatball seasoning.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

• Butter, Flour: Create a smooth roux base for the creamy sauce.
• Beef Broth: Provides rich, savory liquid for the sauce.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Sour Cream: Add creaminess and depth to the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes tangy, umami flavor.

• Egg Noodles: Serve as the comforting foundation of the casserole.

• Shredded Cheese: Adds a melty, golden finish to the casserole.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh accent to the rich dish.

Preparing Swedish Meatball Casserole Step By Step

Step 1: Create Savory Meatballs

Mix ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, diced onion, garlic powder, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

Roll the mixture into small round meatballs about the size of a golf ball.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook meatballs in batches.

Rotate them to ensure even browning until fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.

Transfer cooked meatballs to a plate.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Sauce

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

Slowly pour in beef broth, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens.

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Sour cream
• Salt
• Pepper

Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Spread cooked egg noodles evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Arrange meatballs over the noodles, then pour the creamy sauce to cover everything completely.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the casserole.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Serve hot and savor the delicious Swedish-inspired comfort meal.

Pro Tips For Swedish Meatball Casserole Success

• Brown meatballs in batches to ensure even cooking and develop rich, caramelized exterior without overcrowding the pan.
• Add a pinch of allspice and nutmeg to the meatball mixture for authentic Swedish-style taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Whisk roux slowly and continuously to prevent lumps, creating a smooth, creamy sauce that coats noodles and meatballs evenly.
• Let casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make serving easier without losing its gooey texture.
• Prepare meatballs and sauce ahead of time, then assemble and bake when ready to serve, making meal prep convenient and stress-free.

Flavorful Variations For Swedish Meatball Casserole

• Gluten-Free Meatball Casserole: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or almond flour. Use gluten-free egg noodles and verify all sauce ingredients are gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Comfort Bake: Swap meat meatballs with plant-based meatballs made from lentils, mushrooms, or store-bought vegetarian alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Casserole: Substitute egg noodles with roasted cauliflower rice or riced cauliflower. Keep all other ingredients the same for a protein-packed, low-carb version.

Delicious Serving Suggestions For Swedish Meatball Casserole

• Comfort Food Night: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy flavors and add some fresh texture.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like glazed carrots or garlic green beans to complement the meatballs' savory profile.
• Bread Lovers' Delight: Add crusty garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and complete the meal.
• Drink Pairing Perfection: Enjoy with a light, cold beer or a glass of red wine to enhance the depth of the meatball's spiced flavor.

How To Store Swedish Meatball Casserole Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring meatballs and noodles are completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2-3 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• Are Swedish meatballs traditionally different from other meatball recipes?

Swedish meatballs use a unique blend of ground beef and pork, with distinctive spices like allspice and nutmeg that give them a signature Scandinavian flavor profile.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and pork?

Yes, ground turkey works as a leaner alternative, but it might slightly change the traditional taste and texture of the classic Swedish meatball recipe.

• Why do Swedish meatballs include both breadcrumbs and milk?

The breadcrumbs and milk create a moist, tender meatball by helping bind the meat and adding softness, preventing the meatballs from becoming dense or dry.

Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

Classic Swedish meatball casserole brings Scandinavian comfort directly to dinner tables. Creamy sauce and tender meatballs create a hearty meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

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

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 0.25 cup finely diced onion

Spices and Seasonings:

• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon allspice
• 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, diced onion, garlic powder, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Gently shape the mixture into compact, bite-sized spheres approximately 1 inch in diameter.
3. Heat a skillet over medium temperature and cook meatballs in batches, rotating to ensure uniform browning and complete cooking, approximately 7-8 minutes per batch. Transfer cooked meatballs to a separate plate.
4. Using the same skillet, melt butter and create a smooth roux by whisking in flour. Slowly incorporate beef broth, continuously stirring to prevent lumps and achieve a thickened consistency. Integrate cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, developing rich flavors.
5. Distribute cooked egg noodles evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform base layer.
6. Arrange the browned meatballs atop the noodles in a distributed pattern.
7. Pour the creamy sauce uniformly over the noodles and meatballs, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface.
9. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbling texture.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Create uniform-sized meatballs using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Browning meatballs in batches prevents overcrowding the pan, allowing proper caramelization and developing deeper flavor profiles.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers and use cornstarch instead of flour in the sauce.
• Elevate the dish’s richness by mixing different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar and gruyere for a more complex and sophisticated flavor experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 508 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg