The Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a delightful fusion of traditional Swedish meatballs and a hearty noodle casserole. This dish combines the rich, savory flavors of Swedish meatballs with the comforting, creamy texture of a baked noodle dish. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or when you need a little comfort food, this dish is sure to please.
A Twist on Classic Flavors
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake takes the beloved flavors of classic Swedish meatballs – including the creamy gravy and spices – and combines them with the heartiness of a noodle bake. The result is a fulfilling and flavorful dish that provides a comforting experience with every bite. This recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the essence of Swedish cuisine with a comforting, home-cooked touch.
Ingredients:
For the Swedish Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
For the Noodle Bake:
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as Swiss or Gruyere)
Instructions:
Making the Swedish Meatballs:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine Meatball Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Preparing the Noodle Bake:
- Cook Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Gravy: In the same skillet used for meatballs, melt the butter. Whisk in flour and cook for a minute. Gradually add beef broth, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Noodles and Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, meatballs, sour cream, and parsley. Pour the gravy over the mixture and stir to combine.
Assembling and Baking:
- Layer in Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving:
- Serve Hot: Let the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake cool slightly before serving. Enjoy a hearty, comforting meal!
Conclusion
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a delightful dish that combines the comfort of a casserole with the unique flavors of Swedish cuisine. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that is both familiar and slightly exotic. Whether you’re a fan of Swedish meatballs, love noodle bakes, or just enjoy trying new recipes, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire.