Name: Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Swedish-American
Ingredients: 1/2 pound ground beef; 1/2 pound ground pork; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup finely chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 12 ounces wide egg noodles; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

When I first tasted this Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake, it instantly reminded me of cozy family dinners and comforting weeknight meals. It has all the flavors you love from classic Swedish meatballs—savory beef and pork, warming spices, creamy gravy—but with the added comfort of egg noodles baked right in. It’s a dish that feels both nostalgic and elevated, making it perfect for everything from casual dinners to hearty leftovers.

What makes this bake so special is the combination of juicy, golden-brown meatballs and the rich, creamy sauce that coats every strand of noodle. Baked together, it becomes the kind of soul-warming dish that everyone at the table asks for seconds of. I love making this when I want something indulgent yet easy to pull together, especially on chilly evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

This dish is the definition of cozy. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, thanks to a mix of ground beef and pork, and they hold up beautifully when baked in the luscious gravy. The egg noodles soak up the creamy sauce without getting soggy, offering the perfect bite every time. It’s a family-friendly recipe that works well for meal prep and makes great leftovers too. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser at potlucks or dinner parties.

What Kind of Noodles Should I Use?

Wide egg noodles are your best bet here. Their shape and texture hold up to the creamy sauce, creating a balanced bite with every forkful. If you want a sturdier option, you can try rotini or penne, but I find egg noodles give the most traditional and comforting texture for this recipe.

Options for Substitutions

There’s some room to play here depending on your pantry or dietary preferences. Swap the ground beef and pork mix for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. For a dairy-free option, use unsweetened almond milk and a plant-based cream alternative. Gluten-free egg noodles also work great if you’re avoiding wheat. You can even stir in some spinach or mushrooms to sneak in extra veggies.

Ingredients for this Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

Ground Beef: Provides a rich, hearty flavor as the foundation for the meatballs.
Ground Pork: Adds moisture and a slightly sweet flavor that balances the beef.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and gives them a tender texture.
Egg: Acts as a binder to keep the meatballs from falling apart.
Onion (finely chopped): Adds depth of flavor and a slight sweetness.
Garlic (minced): Enhances the savory profile of the meat mixture.
Allspice and Nutmeg: Essential for that classic Swedish meatball warmth.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
Butter: Used for sautéing and building the creamy gravy.
Flour: Thickens the sauce into a luscious gravy.
Beef Broth: Creates a flavorful base for the creamy sauce.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and body to the sauce.
Heavy Cream: For richness and silky texture.
Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce.
Fresh Parsley (optional): A bright garnish to finish the dish with color and freshness.

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is just combined—don’t overmix or the meatballs can get tough.

Step 2: Form and Brown the Meatballs

Roll the meat mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil and brown the meatballs in batches. Don’t worry about cooking them through—they’ll finish baking later. Set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Cook the Egg Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles until just al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and toss with a little butter or oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Gravy

In the same skillet used for browning meatballs, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly add beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until thickened, then stir in sour cream and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Assemble the Bake

In a large baking dish, combine the cooked noodles and creamy sauce, tossing until well coated. Nestle the browned meatballs evenly into the noodles. Spoon a bit of sauce over each meatball to keep them moist.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top just before serving for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, savory magic of this comforting noodle bake.

How Long to Prepare the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

Preparing this dish does require a bit of time, but the result is absolutely worth it. From start to finish, you’ll need about 60–70 minutes. Here’s a breakdown:

Preparation Time: Mixing and forming the meatballs, chopping onions and garlic, cooking noodles, and making the sauce takes about 30–35 minutes. Browning the meatballs adds another 10 minutes depending on the batch size.

Cooking Time: Baking the assembled dish takes approximately 30–35 minutes. This includes time covered and uncovered to achieve that perfectly golden top.

Tips for Perfect Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

Use a blend of ground beef and pork for the juiciest meatballs.
Don’t skip browning the meatballs—it adds incredible depth of flavor.
Cook your noodles just to al dente so they don’t overcook in the oven.
Gradually whisk in beef broth to the roux for a smooth, lump-free gravy.
Let the bake rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to set the sauce.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overmixing the meatball mixture: This can lead to dense, tough meatballs.
Skipping the roux step: It’s essential for a creamy, thick gravy.
Overcooking the noodles: They’ll become mushy when baked.
Not seasoning enough: Taste your sauce before baking and adjust salt and pepper.
Crowding the pan when browning meatballs: This causes them to steam instead of brown.

What to Serve With Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake?

1. Steamed Green Beans

A crisp, fresh side that balances the richness of the bake.

2. Simple Arugula Salad

Tossed with lemon vinaigrette, this salad adds a peppery brightness.

3. Roasted Carrots

Their natural sweetness complements the savory meatballs beautifully.

4. Garlic Bread

Perfect for mopping up any extra creamy gravy.

5. Pickled Cucumbers or Lingonberry Jam

Traditional Swedish pairings that add a unique tang or sweetness.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Let the dish cool completely before covering and refrigerating. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezer: Assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the bake time.

Estimated Nutrition

Calories per serving: ~520 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 115mg
Sodium: 610mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely. Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating. Just be sure the bake has cooled before freezing.

What’s the best way to reheat this?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot.

Can I use only beef instead of a beef and pork mix?

Yes, but the pork adds tenderness and richness. All-beef meatballs will be firmer.

Is there a low-fat version?

You can use lean ground turkey, light sour cream, and reduce the cream for a lighter version. Flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Conclusion

Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is the ultimate comfort food casserole. It combines the beloved flavors of classic Swedish meatballs with the creamy indulgence of a baked noodle dish. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for a week’s worth of meals, this recipe delivers on both taste and heartiness. It’s warm, cozy, and sure to become a staple on your dinner table.