Here’s a comforting, family-friendly recipe for a Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake — tender meatballs, creamy gravy, and egg noodles all baked together in one bubbling, golden casserole. It’s cozy, hearty, and perfect for a weeknight or potluck.
🇸🇪 Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
🧺 Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the Meatballs:
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or beef/pork mix)
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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1 egg
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¼ cup milk
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1 small onion, finely grated or minced
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1 clove garlic, minced
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½ tsp allspice
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¼ tsp nutmeg
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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1–2 tbsp oil or butter (for browning)
For the Sauce:
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3 tbsp butter
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3 tbsp flour
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2 cups beef broth
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1 cup heavy cream or sour cream
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Optional: pinch of nutmeg
Pasta:
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12 oz (340 g) egg noodles
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Salt (for pasta water)
Topping (Optional):
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½ cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese
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2 tbsp parsley, chopped (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
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Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
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Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Meatballs
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In a large bowl, mix:
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Ground meat
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Breadcrumbs
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Milk
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Egg
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Onion
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Garlic
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Allspice, nutmeg
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Salt & pepper
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Roll into 1-inch meatballs (about 20–24).
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In a skillet over medium heat, brown meatballs in batches (don’t overcrowd).
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Cook just until browned; they’ll finish baking in the oven.
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Set aside.
3. Cook the Egg Noodles
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Boil egg noodles in salted water until just shy of al dente (they’ll cook more in the oven).
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Drain and set aside.
4. Make the Swedish Cream Sauce
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In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
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Stir in flour and whisk to make a roux. Cook 1–2 minutes.
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Gradually add beef broth, whisking constantly until smooth.
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Stir in cream or sour cream and Worcestershire sauce.
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Simmer gently for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (optional).
5. Assemble the Bake
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In a large bowl, combine cooked noodles and half the sauce.
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Spread into the prepared baking dish.
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Nestle browned meatballs on top of noodles.
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Pour remaining sauce evenly over the top.
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Sprinkle with cheese (if using).
6. Bake
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Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish and Serve
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Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
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Serve with steamed vegetables, lingonberry jam, or a crisp salad.
🔄 Variations:
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Use frozen meatballs to save time (just brown them briefly).
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Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for a twist.
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Swap egg noodles for rotini or fusilli if preferred.