Description
Experience the comfort of home with Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake, blending savory meatballs, creamy sauce, and tender noodles into a heartwarming dish.
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients:
- Ground Beef: 1 lb
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
- Large Egg: 1, beaten
- Onion: 1/2, grated
- Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
Casserole Components:
- Beef Broth: 1 cup
- Heavy Cream: 1 pint
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Egg Noodles: 2 1/2 cups
- Swiss Cheese: 1 1/2 cups, grated
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: to taste
- Fresh Parsley: chopped, for garnish
Instructions
-
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Combine beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, nutmeg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Form into 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in olive oil over medium-high heat, then set aside.
- Partially cook the noodles in boiling salted water.
- Use the same skillet to combine broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring in any remaining meatball flavors.
- After simmering the sauce for about 10 minutes, layer noodles, meatballs, and sauce in the baking dish. Top with cheese.
- Bake until the cheese bubbles, about 20 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy this hearty and comforting bake, a delightful twist on traditional Swedish meatballs!
Notes
- Meat Selection: For the meatballs, consider using a mix of beef and pork for a richer flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter version, turkey or chicken can be great alternatives.
- Noodle Choice: While traditional egg noodles are commonly used, feel free to experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free options to cater to dietary preferences.
- Sauce Consistency: Achieve the perfect sauce consistency by allowing it to thicken on the stove before combining it with the meatballs and noodles. This step ensures every bite is rich and flavorful.
- Spice it Up: Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning in your meatballs or sauce. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice can bring authentic Swedish flavors to your dish.
- Bread Crumbs in Meatballs: Incorporating bread crumbs soaked in milk into your meatball mixture will keep them moist and tender during baking.
- Pre-Bake Assembly: Assembling the dish ahead of time and refrigerating it before baking can save you time and enhance the flavors, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
- Cheesy Topping: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top of the bake during the last few minutes of baking until it’s golden and bubbly.
- Serving: Let the bake rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven to allow the sauce to set, making it easier to serve.
- Storage: Leftover Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep.
These tips will help you elevate your Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake, ensuring a deliciously comforting meal that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.