If you're craving the rich, creamy flavors of Swedish meatballs but want the convenience of a baked dish, this Swedish Meatball Casserole is the perfect solution! It combines all the comforting elements of traditional Swedish meatballs—tender meatballs, creamy sauce, and buttery noodles—into one easy, family-friendly casserole. This dish is great for busy weeknights or when you’re looking for a cozy meal to feed a crowd. Read on to learn how to make this delicious and satisfying casserole step by step!
What Is Swedish Meatball Casserole?
A Swedish Meatball Casserole is a baked dish that combines seasoned meatballs with egg noodles in a rich, creamy sauce made with beef broth, sour cream, and a hint of nutmeg. It’s a casserole version of the beloved Swedish meatball dish, typically served with noodles or mashed potatoes. In this casserole, the elements are layered together and baked, creating a one-dish meal that’s comforting, hearty, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients List for Swedish Meatball Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Swedish Meatball Casserole:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the meatballs)
For the Casserole:
- 12 oz egg noodles (about 4 cups cooked)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is versatile, and you can make substitutions or variations based on your preferences or what you have on hand:
- Meat: Use a mix of ground beef and pork for extra flavor, or substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can even use frozen meatballs if you’re short on time.
- Cheese: While traditional Swedish meatballs don’t include cheese, adding mozzarella or Monterey Jack on top gives the casserole a delicious, cheesy crust.
- Noodles: Egg noodles are the classic choice, but you can use any pasta you like, such as rotini, penne, or even mashed potatoes for a gluten-free option.
- Cream: Sour cream and heavy cream create a rich sauce, but you can substitute Greek yogurt or light cream for a lighter version.
- Vegetables: Add some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or green peas to the casserole for added nutrition and flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this Swedish Meatball Casserole step by step:
For the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef/pork mix), breadcrumbs, milk, diced onion, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Form the meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch balls (you should get about 20-24 meatballs). Set aside.
- Brown the meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. You don’t need to cook them all the way through, as they’ll finish cooking in the casserole. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
For the Casserole:
- Cook the noodles: While the meatballs are browning, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet used to brown the meatballs, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cream and sour cream: Remove the skillet from the heat and whisk in the sour cream, heavy cream (or half-and-half), Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard (if using). Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Assemble the casserole: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer the cooked egg noodles evenly across the bottom. Place the browned meatballs on top of the noodles. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the meatballs and noodles, making sure everything is well coated.
- Optional cheese topping: If you’d like a cheesy topping, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the meatballs are fully cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
How to Cook Swedish Meatball Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick recap of how to make this comforting Swedish Meatball Casserole:
- Make and brown the meatballs, ensuring they get a nice sear for extra flavor.
- Cook the noodles while preparing the meatballs and sauce.
- Make the creamy sauce with beef broth, sour cream, and seasonings.
- Layer the casserole with noodles, meatballs, and the creamy sauce, and top with cheese if desired.
- Bake until bubbly, then garnish and serve warm for a cozy, comforting meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making Swedish Meatball Casserole:
- Overmixing the meatballs: Be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture, as this can result in tough meatballs. Mix just until everything is combined.
- Overcooking the noodles: Cook the egg noodles until just al dente, as they will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
- Not browning the meatballs enough: Browning the meatballs adds flavor and texture, so make sure to sear them properly before adding them to the casserole.
- Forgetting to taste the sauce: Always taste the sauce before pouring it over the casserole to make sure it’s seasoned properly. The creaminess of the sauce can sometimes mute the flavors, so don’t be afraid to add more seasoning if needed.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This Swedish Meatball Casserole is a hearty, complete meal on its own, but you can add some extra touches to elevate the presentation:
- Garnish with fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Serve with a side salad: A simple green salad or cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette pairs nicely with the richness of the casserole.
- Serve with crusty bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
How to Serve Swedish Meatball Casserole
This casserole is filling enough to serve on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, here are a few side dish ideas:
- Salad: A crisp green salad with a light dressing or a tangy cucumber salad complements the rich flavors of the casserole.
- Vegetables: Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
- Bread: Pair with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Swedish Meatball Casserole
Even though casseroles are comfort food classics, you can still make your Swedish Meatball Casserole look appealing with these presentation ideas:
- Use a beautiful baking dish: A colorful ceramic or glass baking dish can add a touch of elegance to the meal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill adds a pop of green and freshness.
- Serve in individual ramekins: For a more polished look, bake and serve the casserole in individual ramekins for each person.
Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe Tips
To ensure your Swedish Meatball Casserole comes out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
- Freeze leftovers: This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months
. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Customize the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour when making the roux. For a tangier sauce, add a little more sour cream or Dijon mustard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Swedish Meatball Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Q: Can I freeze Swedish Meatball Casserole?
A: Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q: Can I use store-bought meatballs?
A: Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use frozen or pre-made meatballs. Just brown them quickly in a skillet before adding them to the casserole.
Q: How can I make this casserole lighter?
A: To make it lighter, use ground turkey or chicken for the meatballs, and substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream. You can also use light cream or half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Conclusion
This Swedish Meatball Casserole is the perfect comfort food, combining tender meatballs, creamy sauce, and hearty noodles in one delicious dish. It’s easy to make, customizable, and a great option for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or serving it to guests, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the rich, cozy flavors of Swedish meatballs in casserole form!
PrintSwedish Meatball Casserole Recipe
This comforting Swedish Meatball Casserole recipe combines tender homemade or store-bought meatballs with a rich, creamy gravy, all served over egg noodles and baked to perfection. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner that offers all the classic flavors of Swedish meatballs in a convenient casserole form.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp allspice
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, milk, garlic powder, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
- In a large skillet, brown the meatballs on all sides over medium heat. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour. Gradually add beef broth, stirring constantly until thickened. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, layer cooked egg noodles, then pour the creamy sauce over the noodles.
- Add the meatballs on top and sprinkle with shredded cheese (if using).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use frozen meatballs to save time.
- Serve with lingonberry jam on the side for an authentic Swedish touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
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