Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

The smell of warm meatballs and creamy sauce fills my kitchen every time I make this. It feels soft and cozy, like a big hug on a cold day. I love how the noodles soak up all that rich flavor.

I first made this on a busy night when I wanted something easy but still special. My family took one bite and smiled, and that made me love this dish even more. It’s simple food that feels comforting.

So come with me, and I’ll show you how to make this tasty bake. It’s easy, warm, and perfect for dinner tonight..

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: Families return to this recipe week after week for its comforting flavors and impressive presentation.
• Creamy and Savory: The blend of beef broth, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce creates a sauce that coats every noodle beautifully.
• Homemade Meatballs: Fresh ground beef mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings ensures tender, flavorful meatballs every time.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the meatballs and sauce up to 24 hours ahead, then assemble and bake.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a double batch to freeze for easy weeknight dinners throughout the month.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings: This recipe serves 6 to 8 people as a main dish. The dish fits comfortably in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners, yet satisfying enough for experienced cooks who appreciate a classic comfort food done right.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Baking sheet or skillet
• Large pot for boiling noodles
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Ingredients for Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

These classic meatballs are made with simple, fresh ingredients that create wonderful flavor and texture. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this comforting dish together:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 and 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter (for browning)

For the Noodle Casserole:

• 12 ounces egg noodles
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 and 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Variations for Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms and stir them into the sauce for an earthy depth.
• Use Greek Yogurt: Replace half the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• Add Dill: Fresh dill complements the beef beautifully and adds herbal brightness.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture for warmth.
• Top with Panko: Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking for a crispy texture.
• Include Peas: Stir frozen peas into the sauce for color and nutrition.

How to Make Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs tough. Form the mixture into 24 to 30 meatballs about the size of walnuts.

2. Brown the Meatballs

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid crowding, add the meatballs and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.

3. Cook the Egg Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions, usually 6 to 8 minutes, until tender but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside.

4. Make the Sauce

In the same skillet used for the meatballs, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to create a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The sauce should be smooth and creamy.

5. Combine and Assemble

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Return the meatballs to the skillet with the sauce and gently stir to coat. Add the cooked noodles and mix until everything is evenly combined and the noodles are coated with the creamy sauce.

Pour the entire mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.

6. Bake

Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and lightly golden on top. If you prefer a more browned cheese topping, place the baking dish under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the end.

7. Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for color and a fresh herb note. Serve warm directly from the baking dish.

How to Serve Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

This comforting casserole pairs well with simple sides that complement its richness:

• Green Salad: A crisp salad with vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess nicely.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed green beans, broccoli, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
• Crusty Bread: A hearty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Pickled Vegetables: Pickled cucumbers or beets add a tangy contrast.
• Simple Coleslaw: A light, refreshing slaw balances the rich casserole.

Storing Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezer: Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a 325°F oven, covered with foil, for about 25 to 30 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overmix the Meatballs: Overworking the meat makes the meatballs dense and tough. Mix just until combined.
• Brown Before Baking: Browning the meatballs develops flavor and gives them a nice exterior.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold sour cream can cause the sauce to become lumpy. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before using.
• Make Your Own Breadcrumbs: If you have stale bread, pulse it in a food processor for fresher, more flavorful breadcrumbs.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste the sauce before baking and adjust the seasonings. Everyone’s preferences for salt and pepper are different.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking allows the sauce to set slightly and makes serving easier.

Nutrition Information

Note: Nutrition information is an estimate based on standard ingredients and 8 servings. Values may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods

Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake FAQs

Conclusion

Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is the kind of dish that brings people to the table and leaves them satisfied and happy. With tender homemade meatballs, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles, this casserole offers comfort in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or preparing a dish for a gathering, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Ground beef, fresh eggs, and real sour cream create something far superior to box mixes or shortcuts. Once you make it homemade, you’ll understand why this classic recipe has remained a favorite for generations.

Make this Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake soon, and discover why it deserves a permanent place in your recipe collection.