There’s something magical about combining tender Swedish meatballs with creamy noodles baked under a layer of golden, melted cheese. This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a perfect comfort food that’s rich, hearty, and oh-so-easy to make! Whether you’re looking to impress your family or simply indulge in a cozy dish for dinner, this recipe delivers all the flavors you love from traditional Swedish meatballs with an effortless twist.
Ready to learn how to create this delicious bake? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is packed with everything that makes comfort food irresistible:
Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and gooey melted cheese makes this dish lusciously creamy.
Kid-Friendly: Perfectly seasoned meatballs and savory noodles make this a hit with picky eaters!
Easy to Prepare: Using pre-cooked Swedish meatballs saves time without sacrificing flavor.
Customizable: Swap ingredients and adjust seasonings to suit your family’s tastes.
Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors get even better the next day!
The Taste
Imagine forkfuls of tender egg noodles coated in a rich, creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned meatballs, topped with golden-brown cheese. The flavors are savory and slightly tangy, with just the right amount of cheesiness. Each bite is hearty, warming, and utterly satisfying!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, gather these simple and accessible ingredients:
- Pre-cooked Swedish meatballs: Store-bought or homemade (beef, pork, or a mix).
- Egg noodles: Wide egg noodles work best for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Adds a rich, earthy base to the sauce.
- Sour cream: For creaminess and tang.
- Beef broth: To thin out the sauce and enhance the flavor.
- Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses: Mozzarella for meltiness and Parmesan for depth.
- Onion and garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the dish.
- Butter: For sautéing.
- Fresh parsley: Optional, for garnish.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot for cooking noodles.
- Skillet for sautéing onions, garlic, and meatballs.
- Mixing spoon or spatula.
- Baking dish (9×13-inch works well).
- Grater (if using fresh cheese).
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
Want to get creative with your bake? Here are some suggestions:
- Vegetables: Add mushrooms, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese: Try Gruyere or cheddar for a different cheesy twist.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free noodles and soup to accommodate dietary needs.
- Meatballs: Use turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter version.
How to Make Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the egg noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 3: Heat the Meatballs
Add the pre-cooked Swedish meatballs to the skillet. Stir occasionally until the meatballs are heated through, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and beef broth. Cook until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Combine Noodles and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl (or directly in your skillet if it’s big enough), combine the cooked egg noodles with the meatball sauce. Mix gently to ensure the noodles are evenly coated.
Step 6: Assemble the Bake
Transfer the noodle and meatball mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly on top.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the bake cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
What to Serve with Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
This bake pairs beautifully with simple sides to round out the meal:
- Green Salad: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the bake.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus add a touch of freshness.
Tips for the Best Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
Don’t overcook the noodles: Al dente is key since they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
Use freshly grated cheese: It melts better and adds a richer flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
Customize the seasoning: Taste the sauce before combining it with the noodles, and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.
Make it ahead: Assemble the bake a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until heated through.
Freeze: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Absolutely! Frozen pre-cooked Swedish meatballs work perfectly. Just thaw them before adding to the skillet.
Can I make this bake vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the meatballs for plant-based alternatives or roasted vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
What’s the best way to prevent the noodles from drying out?
Be sure to coat the noodles well with the sauce before baking, and don’t skimp on the cheese topping—it helps lock in moisture!
Why You Need to Make This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake isn’t just a recipe; it’s a love letter to cozy dinners shared with loved ones. The creamy sauce, tender meatballs, and cheesy topping come together to create a dish that’s irresistibly satisfying. Perfect for weeknights or family gatherings, this bake is as easy to make as it is delicious to eat.
If you’re looking for more cozy, hearty meals, be sure to try Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce for another cheesy pasta bake or switch things up with Ground Beef Rice Burrito Bowls for a flavor-packed twist.
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
Calories: 450
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 32g
Fat: 25g
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake: A Creamy and Comforting Delight
Description
This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is the ultimate comfort food! Tender egg noodles are coated in a rich, creamy sauce and baked with perfectly seasoned Swedish meatballs under a golden, cheesy topping. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Using pre-cooked meatballs makes this dish quick and easy while still tasting homemade.
Ingredients
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb pre-cooked Swedish meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the egg noodles in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add the Swedish meatballs to the skillet and cook until heated through, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and beef broth. Mix until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- In a large mixing bowl (or directly in the skillet if it’s big enough), combine the cooked egg noodles with the meatball sauce. Toss gently to coat the noodles evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Make it Ahead: Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: This bake freezes well! Cool the assembled dish completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to use turkey, chicken, or plant-based meatballs. You can also add vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.