🍲 Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
Cozy, creamy, and baked until bubbly — this casserole brings all the comfort of classic Swedish meatballs into an easy family-style dish.
Traditional Swedish meatballs are inspired by dishes popularized in Sweden and famously served at places like IKEA, but this version turns them into a hearty oven bake.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Meatballs
-
1 lb ground beef
-
½ lb ground pork (optional but recommended)
-
½ cup breadcrumbs
-
1 egg
-
¼ cup milk
-
1 small onion, finely minced
-
½ tsp ground allspice
-
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
-
1 tsp salt
-
½ tsp black pepper
Noodle Bake
-
12 oz egg noodles
-
3 tbsp butter
-
3 tbsp flour
-
2½ cups beef broth (warm)
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
-
½ tsp Dijon mustard
-
Salt & pepper to taste
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese (optional for topping)
-
Fresh parsley for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Meatballs
-
Mix all meatball ingredients until just combined.
-
Roll into 1-inch balls.
-
Brown in a skillet over medium heat (they’ll finish cooking in the oven). Set aside.
2️⃣ Cook Noodles
Boil egg noodles until just al dente. Drain.
3️⃣ Make the Cream Sauce
-
In the same skillet, melt butter.
-
Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes.
-
Gradually whisk in warm broth.
-
Stir in cream, Worcestershire, and Dijon.
-
Simmer until thick and creamy. Adjust salt & pepper.
4️⃣ Assemble
-
Combine noodles, meatballs, and sauce in a greased 9×13 dish.
-
Top with cheese if using.
5️⃣ Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
💡 Tips for Best Flavor
-
Don’t skip the allspice — it gives authentic Swedish warmth.
-
For extra richness, add 2 tbsp sour cream to the sauce.
-
Want it more traditional? Serve with a spoonful of lingonberry jam on the side.
If you’d like, I can also give you:
-
A shortcut version using frozen meatballs
-
A slow cooker version
-
A one-pan stovetop version
-
Or a freezer-friendly meal prep version