Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic Swedish dish with this hearty Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake. This recipe combines tender, flavorful meatballs with creamy noodles and melted Swiss cheese, creating a satisfying meal that is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. The rich sauce, seasoned with nutmeg and Worcestershire sauce, adds a unique twist that elevates this casserole to a new level of deliciousness. Follow these simple steps to bring a touch of Sweden to your dinner table.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ onion, grated
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp Kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

For the Casserole:

• 2 ½ cups egg noodles
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 pint heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, grated
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated onion, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
3. Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture to form the meatballs.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the meatballs to the hot oil and cook until all sides are browned.
3. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Add the egg noodles and cook for two minutes less than the package directions indicate to ensure they are slightly undercooked.
3. Drain the noodles and set aside.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet used for the meatballs, add the beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance the flavor.
3. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, then remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

1. Place the cooked noodles into the prepared baking dish.
2. Arrange the meatballs on top of the noodles.
3. Pour the sauce evenly over the pasta and meatballs.
4. Sprinkle the grated Swiss cheese over the entire dish.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to set.

Step 8: Serve

1. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
2. Serve warm and enjoy!

This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a delightful combination of tender meatballs, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for a comforting family dinner. The dish is easy to prepare and makes for a wonderful meal on any night of the week.