This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake transforms the classic comfort food into an easy family casserole. Tender homemade meatballs, buttery egg noodles, rich creamy gravy, and melted Swiss cheese come together for a hearty dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday suppers, or meal prep.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6–8
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Swedish-American
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ onion, grated
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Casserole
- 2½ cups egg noodles
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1½ cups freshly grated Swiss cheese
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Optional Add-Ins
- Sliced mushrooms
- Caramelized onions
- Parmesan cheese
- Gruyère cheese
- Frozen peas
- Fresh thyme
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Cheese grater
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2 – Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl combine:
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Beaten egg
- Grated onion
- Garlic powder
- Nutmeg
- Salt
- Pepper
Mix gently until just combined.
Roll into 1½ tablespoon-sized meatballs.
Step 3 – Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Brown the meatballs on all sides.
They do not need to be fully cooked.
Transfer to a plate.
Step 4 – Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook egg noodles 2 minutes less than the package directions.
Drain well.
Step 5 – Prepare the Cream Sauce
Using the same skillet:
- Add beef broth
- Heavy cream
- Worcestershire sauce
Scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the pan.
Simmer for 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Season with salt and pepper.
Step 6 – Assemble
Spread the cooked egg noodles into the prepared baking dish.
Arrange the browned meatballs evenly over the noodles.
Pour the creamy sauce evenly across the casserole.
Sprinkle with grated Swiss cheese.
Step 7 – Bake
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until:
- Cheese is melted
- Sauce is bubbling
- Top is lightly golden
Step 8 – Rest
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted broccoli
- Green beans
- Caesar salad
- Buttered carrots
- Cranberry sauce
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual servings until heated through.
Tips for Success
- Slightly undercook the noodles so they finish cooking in the oven.
- Brown the meatballs well for maximum flavor.
- Freshly grate the Swiss cheese for smoother melting.
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Let the casserole rest before serving so the sauce thickens perfectly.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 640
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fat: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes. Thaw them first or add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I substitute another cheese?
Absolutely. Gruyère, mozzarella, or white cheddar all work well.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, then bake when ready.
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version while still producing delicious meatballs.
Final Thoughts
This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is everything you love about classic Swedish meatballs in one creamy, cheesy casserole. Juicy homemade meatballs, tender egg noodles, rich cream sauce, and bubbly Swiss cheese make this an easy comfort-food dinner that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.
