Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

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There’s something deeply comforting about a creamy noodle bake, especially when it’s loaded with tender Swedish meatballs and topped with a golden, cheesy crust. This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a weeknight wonder that brings together everything you crave in a cozy casserole.

The juicy meatballs are seasoned with classic warm spices like nutmeg and allspice, paired with a rich sour cream and mushroom sauce, and layered over buttery egg noodles. It’s a hearty, family-friendly dinner that satisfies everyone at the table and makes great leftovers too.

Why You’ll Love This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

This bake is comfort food at its finest. It brings together homemade meatballs (or store-bought if you’re in a hurry), a silky creamy sauce, and pasta into one bubbly dish. It’s freezer-friendly, meal prep-approved, and just as good the next day. Whether you make it from scratch or use some shortcuts, you’re guaranteed delicious results every time.

What Kind of Noodles Should I Use?

Egg noodles are the traditional base for this bake and for good reason. Their light, fluffy texture holds the sauce well without becoming too heavy. If you’re out of egg noodles, rotini or wide fettuccine can make a decent stand-in, though the lightness of egg noodles is hard to beat.

Ingredients for the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

For this cozy bake, every ingredient has its place in building rich, savory flavor.

Egg noodles bring a buttery bite and are the perfect base for the creamy sauce.

Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork) makes the meatballs juicy and flavorful.

Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs and give them tender texture.

Egg adds richness and keeps the meatballs together.

Onion adds a sweet, mellow flavor throughout the meatballs and sauce.

Garlic gives depth to the sauce and meatballs.

Allspice & nutmeg give that signature Swedish meatball warmth.

Salt and pepper balance the flavors.

Beef broth forms the base of the creamy sauce.

Cream of mushroom soup adds body and umami to the sauce.

Sour cream brings the tangy richness Swedish sauces are known for.

Mozzarella or Swiss cheese gives that melty golden top everyone loves.

How To Make the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, and spices in a large bowl. Mix gently and roll into small balls. Sear them in a skillet until browned on all sides (they don’t need to cook through).

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Boil egg noodles in salted water just until al dente. Drain and toss with a bit of butter or oil to keep them from sticking.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet used for meatballs, add beef broth and scrape up any browned bits. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, garlic, and a touch of sour cream. Simmer until warmed through.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

In a greased baking dish, spread cooked noodles, top with browned meatballs, and pour the sauce evenly over everything. Sprinkle cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

How to Serve and Store This Noodle Bake

This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake feeds about 6 hungry people, especially when served with a simple side or salad. Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheat well in the oven or microwave. If you want to freeze it, assemble the bake without baking and freeze tightly wrapped. When ready to cook, thaw overnight and bake as directed.

What to Serve With Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake?

A Crisp Green Salad

Something like a spinach or arugula salad with a mustard vinaigrette offers contrast to the creamy bake.

Roasted Green Beans

Toss green beans with olive oil and sea salt, then roast until blistered for a simple side.

Lingonberry Jam

A sweet-tart dollop of jam is a traditional Swedish pairing with meatballs and adds a fruity brightness.

Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with warm garlic bread to mop up that creamy sauce.

Pickled Cucumbers

Add a crunchy, tangy bite to balance the richness of the dish.

Roasted Root Vegetables

Think carrots, parsnips, and turnips for a hearty, seasonal option.

Creamy Cucumber Salad

A refreshing, tangy yogurt-based cucumber salad cools things down and adds texture.

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