Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake: A Cozy Comfort Dish

If you love hearty, cheesy casseroles with a hint of Scandinavian flair, the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is the ultimate comfort food. This dish combines tender, flavorful meatballs, soft egg noodles, and a creamy sauce that brings it all together. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this bake is both satisfying and versatile. Here’s a detailed guide to making it step by step.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for classic Swedish flavor)

For the Creamy Sauce:

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Noodle Bake:

12 oz (340 g) egg noodles
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional: mix with mozzarella for extra creaminess)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until evenly combined.
Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a little oil and brown the meatballs on all sides. They don’t need to cook through, as they will finish cooking in the oven. Remove from heat and set aside.