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Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
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The Easy Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a comforting and creamy baked casserole combining tender Swedish-style meatballs, al dente egg noodles, and a rich cheesy béchamel sauce. Perfect for quick family dinners, this one-dish recipe delivers warm, savory flavors with minimal cleanup and can be easily customized to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Noodles

  • 8 oz egg noodles
  • Salt for boiling water

Creamy Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)

Topping

  • 1/2 cup additional grated cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, then shape the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the meatballs on all sides until golden. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles until just al dente, about 6-7 minutes. Drain well and set aside to finish cooking and absorb sauce in the oven.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes without browning. Gradually pour in beef broth and heavy cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in a generous handful of grated cheese until melted and smooth.
  4. Combine and Assemble: In a large bowl or casserole dish, gently toss the cooked noodles, browned meatballs, and creamy cheese sauce until everything is well coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese evenly on top for a golden crust.
  5. Bake and Serve: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled casserole for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and the top is beautifully browned. Let cool slightly before serving to allow the sauce to thicken for a perfect texture.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender rather than dense.
  • Brown meatballs well for added flavor and to help them hold shape during baking.
  • Use fresh grated cheese for better melting and a creamier sauce.
  • Allow the bake to rest 5-10 minutes post-oven to firm up for easier serving.
  • Meatballs can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to save time.

Nutrition

Keywords: Swedish meatballs, baked casserole, comfort food, creamy sauce, egg noodles, family dinner, cheesy bake, one-dish meal

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/swedish-meatball-noodle-bake/