Ultimate Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake — Creamy Comfort Casserole

This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake takes all the cozy, craveable flavors of classic Swedish meatballs and turns them into an easy, family-friendly casserole perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. Tender, spiced meatballs are browned to develop flavor, folded into wide egg noodles and a velvety, savory cream gravy with a touch of Dijon and Worcestershire for depth. Serve it with lingonberry or cranberry jam for a sweet-tart contrast and enjoy a one-dish comfort meal that the whole family will love.

Yields, Prep & Cook Time

Yields: 6–8 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

· 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
· ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
· 1 large egg
· ¼ cup finely chopped onion
· ¼ teaspoon ground allspice or nutmeg
· ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
· ½ teaspoon salt

For the Noodle Bake & Sauce

· 12 oz (340 g) wide egg noodles
· 4 tablespoons butter
· ¼ cup all-purpose flour
· 3 cups beef broth
· 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
· 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
· 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
· ½ cup sour cream
· Salt and pepper to taste
· Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1 — Prep & Cook Noodles

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the wide egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2 — Make & Brown the Meatballs

In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, panko, egg, onion, allspice or nutmeg, pepper, and salt. Mix gently and form into small, 1-inch meatballs. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the meatballs on all sides. They do not need to be fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3 — Make the Creamy Gravy

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, then the cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Simmer until thickened, about 3–5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4 — Assemble the Casserole

In the prepared baking dish, combine the noodles, meatballs, and creamy gravy. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Cover with foil.

Step 5 — Bake & Serve

Bake covered for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lingonberry or cranberry jam for authentic flavor.

Tips & Variations

· Use a mix of beef and pork for juicier meatballs.
· Shortcut: use fully cooked frozen meatballs. Thaw slightly and skip browning.
· For a richer sauce, add extra sour cream or cream cheese.
· Make ahead: assemble, refrigerate overnight, bake next day (add 10–15 minutes if baking cold).
· Gluten-free: use gluten-free noodles and flour.
· Extra cheesy: stir in ½–1 cup shredded Gruyère or cheddar.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with lingonberry or cranberry jam, buttered vegetables, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp green salad.

FAQ

Can I use frozen meatballs? Yes, thaw slightly and skip browning, then bake as directed.
How can I make the sauce creamier? Add extra sour cream or cream cheese after removing from heat.
Can I freeze it? Yes, assemble unbaked casserole, freeze up to 2 months, thaw overnight, and add extra bake time.
What sides go best? Lingonberry jam, mashed potatoes, buttered vegetables, or a green salad.

Estimated Nutrition Facts (per serving if 6 servings)

Calories ~ 630 kcal; Total Fat ~ 37 g; Saturated Fat ~ 16 g; Cholesterol ~ 150 mg; Sodium ~ 700–900 mg; Carbohydrates ~ 40 g; Fiber ~ 2 g; Sugars ~ 4–6 g; Protein ~ 21 g.

This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is the ultimate comfort dish, combining creamy, savory flavors with tender noodles and perfectly spiced meatballs, perfect for families, potlucks, and make-ahead meals. It’s a crowd-pleaser that tastes like a homemade IKEA classic and delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

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