Description
Hearty Swedish meatball noodle bake brings Nordic comfort straight to dinner tables with its creamy sauce and tender pasta. Rich layers of savory meatballs and cheesy noodles promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Create a delectable meatball mixture by thoroughly blending ground beef with breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and a harmonious blend of seasonings including salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, allspice, and nutmeg until uniformly combined.
- Form the seasoned meat into petite, round morsels approximately one inch in diameter, ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking.
- Sear the meatballs in a preheated skillet over medium heat, rotating periodically to achieve a golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior, which typically requires 8-10 minutes of cooking time.
- Without cleaning the skillet, melt butter and incorporate flour, creating a roux by whisking continuously until the mixture turns golden and develops a slight bubbling texture.
- Gradually stream beef broth into the roux, whisking diligently to prevent lumps, then introduce heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper to craft a velvety, rich sauce.
- Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly, developing deep, robust flavors while maintaining a smooth consistency.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish with a light grease to prevent sticking.
- Combine cooked egg noodles with the prepared meatballs, gently folding them together before bathing the mixture in the luxurious cream sauce.
- Transfer the noodle and meatball ensemble to the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform heating.
- Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, watching for a bubbling surface and a delicate golden hue that signals perfect doneness.
- Remove from the oven and permit the dish to rest for five minutes, allowing the sauce to settle and flavors to meld.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top for a vibrant garnish, then serve this comforting Swedish-inspired feast immediately.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for a lighter, healthier version that still delivers incredible flavor.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for an authentic Swedish meatball depth that elevates the entire dish’s aromatic profile.
- Ensure meatballs are uniform in size to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- Toast breadcrumbs briefly before mixing into the meat mixture to enhance their crispness and add a subtle nutty undertone to the meatballs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg