Introduction
Who doesn’t love a warm, creamy, and delicious dinner that makes the whole family smile? That’s exactly what you get with Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake. This dish combines the cozy flavor of traditional Swedish meatballs with soft egg noodles and a creamy sauce baked to perfection.
It’s one of those meals that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a weekday dinner or a casual gathering, this dish is easy to make and super satisfying. The best part? You don’t need to be a master chef. With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you’ll have a hot and tasty bake ready in under an hour! Let’s jump in and learn how to make this comforting classic.
Ingredients – Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
Here’s a list of all the ingredients you’ll need to make Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake. Most of these are easy to find in any grocery store:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- ½ lb (225g) ground pork
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon allspice (optional, but adds Swedish flavor)
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bake:
- 12 oz (340g) egg noodles
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese (optional, for topping)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Step by Step Process – Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
Let’s break it down into simple steps so it’s easy to follow!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be hot and ready once you finish preparing everything.
Step 2: Make the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, milk, and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, allspice).
- Mix everything well using your hands or a spoon until fully combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches in size).
- In a skillet, heat butter or oil over medium heat and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides. They don’t have to be cooked all the way through yet—just browned. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
- Boil the egg noodles according to the package instructions.
- Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour and stir for about 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Add in the heavy cream (or sour cream) and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir the sauce until it thickens (around 5–7 minutes).
- Taste and add salt or pepper as needed.
Step 5: Mix and Assemble
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, meatballs, and sauce.
- Mix gently until everything is well coated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- If you like cheese, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake It!
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 540 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g |
| Cholesterol | 120 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 690 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs, noodles, and sauce earlier in the day. Mix and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just bake it as directed.
Q2: Can I freeze Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then wrap it well or store in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30–40 minutes from frozen.
Q3: Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Yes, that saves time! Just make sure they’re cooked before mixing with the noodles and sauce.
Q4: What can I serve with it?
This bake is great with a green salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies on the side.
Q5: Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter, plant-based cream, and skip the cheese or use vegan cheese.
Final Thoughts
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is more than just a meal—it’s a cozy, comforting dish that brings people together. The creamy sauce, juicy meatballs, and soft noodles all baked into one warm dish is something special. It’s also very flexible—you can swap ingredients based on what you have at home.
This bake is great for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or whenever you want a meal that everyone at the table will enjoy. Once you try it, it might just become one of your family’s favorite dinners!
