Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe

Looking for a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in? This Swedish Meatball Casserole will become a new favorite. With tender, flavorful meatballs, a creamy sauce, and perfectly baked noodles, this casserole combines the best of classic Swedish meatballs with the convenience of a one-dish meal. Keep reading for all the details, from the ingredients list to expert tips, and learn how to make this comforting casserole from scratch!

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What is Swedish Meatball Casserole?

Swedish meatball casserole is a comforting dish that combines the iconic flavors of Swedish meatballs—beef and pork meatballs, seasoned with a blend of spices and bathed in a creamy, savory sauce—with the added convenience of being baked as a casserole. Traditionally served with lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes, this variation layers the meatballs over egg noodles, baked together for a filling, crowd-pleasing meal. This is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or Sunday dinners. Now, let’s break down exactly what you’ll need to make this dish!

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Ingredients List for Swedish Meatball Casserole

Before we dive into the cooking instructions, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make this flavorful Swedish Meatball Casserole. This recipe is divided into two main parts: the meatballs and the casserole base, which includes the creamy sauce and noodles.

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Casserole:

• 12 oz egg noodles (cooked and drained)
• 2 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or sour cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about this Swedish meatball casserole is that it’s versatile! You can swap out or add ingredients based on your preferences, dietary needs, or what you have on hand.

• Meat Substitutes: You can replace the ground beef and pork with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute to make this dish lighter or vegetarian.
• Dairy-Free Options: Substitute the milk and cream with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream for a dairy-free version. You can also use dairy-free cheese for the topping.
• Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free casserole, use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs and gluten-free noodles in place of egg noodles. You’ll also want to use gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce.
• Spices: Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the meatballs to your liking. If you don’t have allspice or nutmeg, you can leave them out or replace them with another spice blend like Italian seasoning or paprika.
• Cheesy Topping: Add extra flavor with cheese! If you love a gooey, cheesy casserole, top your dish with shredded mozzarella, Gruyère, or even Parmesan before baking.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s get started on this delicious Swedish Meatball Casserole! This recipe involves making homemade meatballs, preparing a creamy sauce, and combining everything into a flavorful casserole.

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How to Cook Swedish Meatball Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Make the Meatballs:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until fully combined.
• Roll the meat mixture into small, bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter). You should get around 24-30 meatballs depending on size.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 7-8 minutes per batch). Remove the meatballs and set them aside.

2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:

• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux (a thick paste).
• Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture begins to thicken.
• Add the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it becomes creamy and smooth.

3. Assemble the Casserole:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• In the baking dish, spread the cooked egg noodles evenly across the bottom. Arrange the browned meatballs on top of the noodles.
• Pour the creamy sauce over the meatballs and noodles, making sure everything is well-coated.
• If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the casserole for an extra cheesy finish.

4. Bake the Casserole:

• Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden.
• Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Meatballs: When making the meatballs, try not to overwork the meat mixture. Overmixing can lead to tough, dry meatballs. Combine the ingredients just until they come together.
• Skipping the Browning Step: Browning the meatballs before baking them adds flavor and seals in the juices, so don’t skip this step!
• Lumpy Sauce: To avoid lumps in your sauce, make sure to whisk the flour and broth together slowly and continuously. Cooking the roux for a minute or two before adding the broth also helps ensure a smooth sauce.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

A casserole is all about comfort and simplicity, but a few extra touches can elevate the presentation of your Swedish Meatball Casserole to make it even more appealing.

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How to Serve Swedish Meatball Casserole

Swedish meatball casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven. This dish is rich and satisfying, so it pairs well with lighter, fresh sides. Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside:

• Green Salad: A crisp, simple salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve it with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for added nutrition and color.
• Lingonberry Jam: If you want to stick to the traditional Swedish accompaniment, serve a dollop of lingonberry jam on the side. The tartness complements the creamy casserole perfectly.

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Presentation Ideas for Swedish Meatball Casserole

While this casserole is a homey dish, you can still make it look enticing by garnishing it with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill before serving. For individual servings, consider scooping the casserole into small oven-safe dishes or ramekins, making it feel extra special and portion-controlled. You can also serve it in a rustic cast-iron skillet for a cozy, family-style presentation.

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Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. This makes it a great option for meal prep or dinner parties.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Prepare the dish but hold off on baking. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
• Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use store-bought meatballs instead of homemade?
A: Yes! To save time, you can use frozen or pre-cooked meatballs. Simply thaw them and follow the recipe instructions for assembling and baking the casserole.

Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Absolutely. Swap the meatballs for vegetarian or plant-based meatballs, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth in the sauce.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire casserole dish (if it’s large) back in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply use gluten-free noodles, gluten-free breadcrumbs, and substitute the flour in the sauce with a gluten-free flour blend.

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Conclusion

Swedish Meatball Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish that combines the flavors of traditional Swedish meatballs with the ease of a baked casserole. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prepping in advance. With its creamy sauce, tender meatballs, and hearty noodles, this casserole is bound to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!

Don't forget to experiment with the substitutions and variations to suit your personal taste, and feel free to share your cooking experience with family and friends. Happy cooking!

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