Here’s a recipe to make Boulettes de Viande Gratinées aux Nouilles et Fromage Suisse from scratch:
Boulettes de Viande Gratinées aux Nouilles et Fromage Suisse (Meatballs Gratin with Noodles and Swiss Cheese)
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for more flavor)
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1/4 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 large egg
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
For the Noodles and Cheese Sauce:
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8 oz (225 g) egg noodles (or your favorite pasta)
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups whole milk (or cream for a richer sauce)
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1 cup Swiss cheese, grated (Gruyère or Emmental work well)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a bit of tang)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
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Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
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Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) in diameter.
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Cook the Meatballs: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). They don’t need to be fully cooked through yet, as they will finish cooking in the oven later. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
2. Prepare the Noodles:
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While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
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Prepare the Roux: In the same skillet you used to cook the meatballs, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux (this will help thicken the sauce).
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Add the Milk: Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
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Add the Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and add the grated Swiss cheese and Parmesan cheese (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Dijon mustard if you like a bit of tang.
4. Assemble the Dish:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large baking dish, combine the cooked noodles, meatballs, and cheese sauce. Gently stir to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
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Top with Cheese: If desired, sprinkle some additional Swiss cheese or Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy, golden crust.
5. Bake:
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly, and the meatballs are fully cooked through.
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For an extra crispy top, you can place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
6. Serve:
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Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with a bit more chopped parsley if desired.
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Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Tips for Success:
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Meatballs: You can use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for more flavor and tenderness, but ground turkey or chicken will also work as a lighter option.
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Cheese Variations: If you want a more intense flavor, try adding some Gruyère or a sharp Cheddar to the sauce along with the Swiss cheese.
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Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and cheese sauce in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply assemble and bake the dish.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a little heat if you like it spicy.
Serving Suggestions:
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This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the meatballs and cheese sauce.
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A glass of red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot would complement the hearty flavors of this gratin.
Boulettes de Viande Gratinées aux Nouilles et Fromage Suisse is the perfect comfort food for any season—hearty, cheesy, and satisfying. The combination of meatballs, noodles, and Swiss cheese makes this a one-dish meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Would you like any variations on this recipe or other ideas for hearty baked dishes? Let me know!