The Coziest Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe For Comfort Nights

Comfort food reaches new heights with this swedish meatball casserole that promises to warm your soul.

The creamy, rich sauce mingles perfectly with tender, seasoned meatballs.

Generations of home cooks have cherished this classic Scandinavian dish for its hearty flavors.

Each bite tells a story of tradition and love from the Nordic kitchen.

The blend of beef and pork creates a mouthwatering combination that delights every palate.

Packed with savory spices and topped with a velvety cream sauce, this casserole transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary meal.

Bring this delectable recipe to your table and watch as everyone asks for seconds.

What Goes Into Swedish Meatball Casserole

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that provides rich flavor and hearty texture to the meatballs.
• Ground Pork: Adds moisture and additional depth to the meat mixture.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk, Egg: Work together to help the meatballs hold their shape and create a tender consistency.

• Onion, Allspice, Salt, Pepper: These ingredients enhance the overall flavor profile of the meatballs and provide a balanced taste.

• Butter, Flour: Create a traditional roux base for the creamy sauce.
• Beef Broth, Heavy Cream: Develop a rich and smooth sauce with deep savory notes.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and additional creaminess to the sauce.

• Egg Noodles: Serve as the comforting base layer for the meatball casserole.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh garnish to complete the dish.

Directions For Swedish Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven Temperature

Set your oven to a cozy 350°F to create the perfect baking environment for this delicious dish.

Step 2: Create Meatball Mixture

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Finely chopped onion
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Egg
• Allspice
• Salt
• Pepper

Gently blend all ingredients until they just come together, being careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Meatballs

Roll the meat mixture into adorable bite-sized balls, each about the size of a golf ball.

Step 4: Brown Meatballs to Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium flame and cook the meatballs, turning occasionally to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

This should take around 7-8 minutes.

Step 5: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a smooth roux.

Slowly pour in beef broth and heavy cream, continuously whisking until the sauce transforms into a velvety, thick consistency.

Step 6: Enhance Sauce Flavor

Stir in sour cream and season with salt and pepper to elevate the sauce’s rich, tangy profile.

Step 7: Assemble Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer with cooked egg noodles and browned meatballs.

Generously pour the creamy sauce over the top, ensuring everything is well-covered.

Step 8: Bake Until Bubbly

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

The dish is ready when it’s bubbling with excitement and heated throughout.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and added freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this Swedish-inspired casserole.

Tips To Make Swedish Meatball Casserole Shine

• Blend ground beef and pork gently to prevent tough meatballs, ensuring a tender, juicy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Whisk flour and butter slowly, then gradually add broth and cream to create a smooth, silky sauce without any unwanted clumps.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for deeper meatball caramelization, which enhances the rich, complex flavor of your Swedish-inspired dish.
• Choose wide egg noodles that can catch and hold the creamy sauce, creating a more satisfying and indulgent eating experience.
• Prepare meatballs and sauce a day in advance, refrigerate separately, then assemble and bake when ready to serve for enhanced flavor development.

Swedish Meatball Casserole Twists To Try

• Replace ground beef and pork with plant-based crumbles or lentil-mushroom blend, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Swedish Meatball Casserole: Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or almond flour, use gluten-free noodles, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Swedish Meatball Casserole: Substitute egg noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, reduce sauce thickness with lighter cream alternatives, and adjust seasoning to maintain flavor profile.

How To Serve Swedish Meatball Casserole

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy flavors.
• Nordic-Inspired Side Pairing: Complement the dish with lingonberry jam or pickled cucumber for an authentic Swedish touch that adds bright, tangy notes.
• Comfort Meal Accompaniment: Pair with buttered egg noodles or crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce, making every bite extra satisfying.
• Wine and Dine Option: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the meatballs' savory profile and cut through the creamy sauce.

Storing Swedish Meatball Casserole

• Seal cooled casserole in airtight containers and store for up to 3-4 days. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack casserole in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months to preserve taste and texture.
• Transfer individual portions to microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

• Why use both ground beef and ground pork?

The combination creates a more complex, richer flavor and helps keep the meatballs moist and tender compared to using just one type of meat.

• Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to cook. This can help save time on the day of serving.

• Is allspice crucial for authentic Swedish flavor?

Allspice is traditional in Swedish meatball recipes and provides a warm, slightly sweet undertone that gives the dish its distinctive Nordic character. If unavailable, you can substitute with a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Swedish Meatball Casserole Flavor Highlights

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this delectable Swedish meatball casserole with minimal kitchen skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Comfort Food Champion: Enjoy a hearty, creamy dish that wraps you in warmth with its rich, velvety sauce and tender meatballs, guaranteed to satisfy hungry families.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamline your cooking process with a simple recipe that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, using just a skillet and baking dish for a stress-free meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Impress guests or family with a classic Scandinavian-inspired comfort food that transforms traditional Swedish meatballs into a convenient, mouth-watering casserole.

Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets classic Scandinavian cuisine in this Swedish Meatball Casserole, blending rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Creamy sauce, tender meatballs, and golden breadcrumbs create a satisfying meal that will transport you straight to Sweden’s cozy kitchens.

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Ingredients

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Meat Ingredients:

• 1 pound (lb) ground beef
• 0.5 pound (lb) ground pork
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 small onion
• 1 egg

Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Casserole Base and Topping Ingredients:

• 12 ounces egg noodles
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• Chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a comfortable cooking environment for the casserole.
2. Create a harmonious blend of ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, allspice, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl. Gently combine ingredients without overmixing.
3. Craft compact, uniform meatballs approximately one inch in diameter, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
4. Sear meatballs in a hot skillet over medium heat, rotating to achieve a golden-brown exterior, approximately 7-8 minutes. Transfer browned meatballs to a separate plate.
5. Utilize the same skillet to develop a rich sauce: melt butter, then whisk in flour to form a smooth roux. Gradually incorporate beef broth and heavy cream, continuously whisking until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, thickened consistency.
6. Introduce sour cream into the sauce, enhancing its creamy texture. Season with additional salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
7. Prepare a greased 9×13-inch baking dish by layering cooked egg noodles as the foundation, then strategically arrange the browned meatballs across the surface.
8. Cascade the velvety sauce evenly over the noodles and meatballs, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until the dish bubbles with warmth and reaches a thoroughly heated state.
10. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley as a vibrant garnish moments before serving, adding a touch of color and freshness.

Notes

• Blend meats thoroughly but avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender and prevent tough texture.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of dried for a softer, more delicate meatball consistency.
• Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option that maintains the classic Swedish flavor profile.
• Chill meatballs for 30 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape and prevent falling apart during browning.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 549 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg