Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe

If you love the creamy, savory flavor of Swedish meatballs, you’ll adore this Swedish Meatball Casserole. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that takes all the best elements of Swedish meatballs—tender meatballs, a creamy gravy, and egg noodles—and bakes them together in one easy, cheesy casserole. This is the perfect meal for cozy family dinners, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone around the table. Read on for the full recipe, plus tips and variations to make it your own!

this Recipe

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What is a Swedish Meatball Casserole?

A Swedish Meatball Casserole is a baked version of the classic Swedish meatball dish, where meatballs are traditionally served in a rich, creamy gravy. In this casserole, the meatballs are mixed with egg noodles, baked in a creamy sauce, and topped with cheese for an added layer of comfort. It’s an all-in-one meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

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Ingredients List for Swedish Meatball Casserole

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

1. Ground beef (1 lb) – You can use a mix of ground beef and pork for extra flavor.
2. Breadcrumbs (½ cup) – Plain or seasoned breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs.
3. Milk (¼ cup) – Used to moisten the breadcrumbs and keep the meatballs tender.
4. Egg (1 large) – Helps bind the meatballs together.
5. Onion (1 small, finely diced) – Adds flavor to the meatballs.
6. Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Provides a savory depth to the dish.
7. Allspice (½ tsp) – Traditional in Swedish meatballs for a warm, aromatic flavor.
8. Salt and pepper (to taste) – For seasoning the meatballs and sauce.
9. Egg noodles (12 oz) – Wide egg noodles are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
10. Butter (4 tbsp) – Used in the sauce.
11. All-purpose flour (¼ cup) – To make the roux for thickening the sauce.
12. Beef broth (2 cups) – For a rich, flavorful sauce base.
13. Heavy cream or sour cream (½ cup) – Adds creaminess to the sauce.
14. Shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese (1 cup) – For a cheesy topping.
15. Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish) – Adds a fresh pop of color to the finished dish.

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Substitutions and Variations

This casserole is versatile, and you can customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Meatball Alternatives: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute to make the meatballs.
• Cheese: Swiss cheese gives the casserole a nice nutty flavor, but you can also use mozzarella, Gruyère, or cheddar.
• Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional, but you can swap them for pasta like penne, farfalle, or even gluten-free noodles.
• Creamy Sauce: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can replace the heavy cream with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Use meatless meatballs or a mix of mushrooms and lentils for a plant-based version.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started on making this delicious Swedish Meatball Casserole! Follow these step-by-step instructions for a creamy, comforting meal.

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside.

2. Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, diced onion, garlic, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.

3. Brown the Meatballs

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of butter or oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked through as they will finish cooking in the oven. Remove the browned meatballs and set them aside.

4. Cook the Egg Noodles

While the meatballs are browning, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

5. Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet that you browned the meatballs, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a roux (a thick paste). Gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.

6. Add the Cream

Stir the heavy cream (or sour cream) into the sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Assemble the Casserole

In your prepared baking dish, spread half of the cooked egg noodles in an even layer. Arrange the browned meatballs on top of the noodles. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the meatballs. Add the remaining noodles and pour the rest of the sauce over the top.

8. Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

9. Garnish and Serve

Once baked, let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve hot and enjoy!

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

1. Make the Meatballs: Start by mixing the meatball ingredients and forming small, flavorful meatballs.
2. Brown the Meatballs: Sear the meatballs in a hot skillet to lock in the flavor and give them a nice crust.
3. Cook the Noodles: Prepare the egg noodles until just tender, as they will continue cooking in the oven.
4. Make the Sauce: Create a rich, creamy sauce by making a roux with butter and flour, then whisking in beef broth and cream.
5. Assemble and Bake: Layer the noodles, meatballs, sauce, and cheese in a casserole dish, then bake until bubbly and golden.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Meatballs: When mixing the meatball ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
• Skipping the Roux: Don’t skip making the roux (butter and flour mixture) for the sauce. This step thickens the sauce and gives it a smooth texture.
• Under-seasoning: Taste the sauce before assembling the casserole. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed to ensure the sauce is flavorful.
• Overcooking the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles until just al dente, as they will continue cooking in the oven. Overcooked noodles can become mushy.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

While Swedish Meatball Casserole is delicious on its own, you can serve it with a few sides to complete the meal. Here are some serving and presentation ideas:

• Fresh Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley or dill on top for a pop of color and flavor.
• Side Salad: Serve with a light green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the casserole.
• Cranberry Sauce: For a traditional Swedish touch, serve with a side of lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce.
• Crusty Bread: A warm slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

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How to Serve Swedish Meatball Casserole

This casserole is perfect for family-style serving. Bring the baking dish directly to the table and let everyone scoop out their own portions. Pair it with simple sides like roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a fresh salad to round out the meal.

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Presentation Ideas for Swedish Meatball Casserole

• Skillet-to-Table: Bake the casserole in a cast iron skillet for a rustic, homestyle presentation that looks great on the table.
• Individual Portions: For a more polished look, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets.
• Garnish for Color: Top with fresh herbs like parsley or dill to brighten up the dish and add a burst of green color.

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Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole in advance by assembling it and storing it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freezer-Friendly: To freeze, assemble the casserole (without baking), cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen meatballs?
A: Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs. Just thaw them before adding to the casserole and continue with the recipe as directed.

Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: Absolutely. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs, and swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta. Be sure to use a gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce as well.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes very well. Assemble the dish, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Q: Can I substitute the cream for a lighter option?
A: If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half, sour cream, or Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream.

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Conclusion

This Swedish Meatball Casserole combines the best of traditional Swedish meatballs with the convenience of a casserole. The savory, creamy flavors are perfect for cozy dinners, and the recipe is easy to customize based on your preferences. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight family meal or a special gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the comforting, hearty flavors of this dish, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs for the perfect finishing touch!

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