Tender meatballs with a homemade gravy and pasta! This Swedish Meatball Casserole is an easy dinner recipe favorite that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for weeknight meals or gatherings, this casserole combines the comforting flavors of traditional Swedish meatballs in a convenient dish. With its creamy sauce and hearty noodles, it’s a sure hit for family dinners or potlucks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This casserole comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Comfort Food: The rich gravy and tender meatballs create a deliciously satisfying meal.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main dish or alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal.
- Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for gatherings, this recipe can easily serve eight people, ensuring no one leaves hungry.
- Leftover Friendly: Enjoy the tasty leftovers the next day; it reheats beautifully!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into your cooking adventure, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Casserole dish (9×13 inch)
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients evenly without spilling.
- Skillet: Ideal for browning meatballs and creating the flavorful gravy.
- Casserole dish: Perfect size for baking and serving the entire casserole in one go.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- ¾ cup Italian style breadcrumbs
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ cup finely minced onion
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Gravy
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup heavy cream
For the Noodles
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles
How to Make Swedish Meatball Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s hot enough when you’re ready to bake your casserole.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Cook the wide egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them well and let them cool while you prepare the meatballs.
Step 3: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl:
1. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley flakes, minced garlic, minced onion, beaten egg, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir with a wooden spoon until well combined.
3. Use clean hands to roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 ½ inches in size (you should get about 20–24 meatballs).
Step 4: Brown the Meatballs
In a skillet:
1. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 4–5 minutes.
3. Transfer cooked meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 5: Make the Gravy
After browning meatballs:
1. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
2. Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the skillet.
3. Whisk in flour until lightly browned (about 1 minute).
4. Gradually whisk in beef broth; cook while stirring constantly until slightly thickened (about 1–2 minutes).
5. Stir in sour cream, heavy cream, salt, and pepper; cook until heated through and thickened (about 8–10 minutes).
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
In a 9×13 inch casserole dish:
1. Add cooked noodles evenly across the bottom.
2. Spread browned meatballs over noodles evenly.
3. Pour gravy mixture over everything.
Step 7: Bake
Place your assembled casserole into the preheated oven and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20–25 minutes or until heated through.
Enjoy every bite of this delightful Swedish Meatball Casserole, perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Swedish Meatball Casserole
Swedish Meatball Casserole is a comforting dish that can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.
Pair with Fresh Salad
- A light green salad adds freshness and crunch. Toss mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette for balance.
Serve with Crusty Bread
- A loaf of crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy. Slice it fresh and serve warm.
Add a Side of Vegetables
- Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, complement the casserole’s richness while adding color and nutrients.
Offer Pickled Cucumbers
- Adding tangy pickled cucumbers provides a nice contrast to the savory flavors of the casserole. They’re a classic pairing with Swedish meatballs.
Drizzle Extra Gravy
- For those who love extra sauce, serve additional gravy on the side for pouring over each serving. It enhances the flavor even more.
How to Perfect Swedish Meatball Casserole
To ensure your Swedish Meatball Casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh ground beef and homemade broth will elevate the flavor significantly.
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: Cook noodles until just al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy in the casserole.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the gravy before pouring it over the casserole; adjust salt and pepper based on preference.
- Evenly Brown Meatballs: Brown meatballs thoroughly for better flavor; this step adds depth to your dish.
- Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps set everything together.
- Garnish Thoughtfully: Fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top before serving adds a pop of color and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Swedish Meatball Casserole
Complementing your Swedish Meatball Casserole with the right sides can enhance your meal. Here are some delicious options.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with garlic provide a hearty accompaniment.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts add texture and a slightly sweet taste that balances well.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad brings crunch and acidity, making it an ideal side.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a crunchy contrast and can be made ahead of time.
- Sweet Corn: Sweet corn, either roasted or steamed, adds sweetness that pairs nicely with savory meatballs.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus gives a vibrant touch and complements the richness of the casserole.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans offer heartiness and flavor depth alongside the dish.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad is refreshing and provides a sweet finish to round out your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Swedish Meatball Casserole, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Avoid these mistakes to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
- Using overcooked noodles: Ensure you cook the noodles to al dente before mixing them in. This prevents them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Not browning meatballs properly: Browning meatballs adds flavor. Don’t skip this step; cook each side until golden brown for the best taste.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your gravy and season it as needed. Adding salt or pepper can elevate the flavors significantly.
- Skipping the resting time: Allow the casserole to rest after baking. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Quality matters! Use fresh herbs and good beef for a more flavorful casserole.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Swedish Meatball Casserole
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Swedish Meatball Casserole
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to retain moisture.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Swedish Meatball Casserole that may help you prepare this delightful dish.
What is Swedish Meatball Casserole?
Swedish Meatball Casserole is a hearty dish made with tender meatballs, pasta, and a creamy gravy, offering comfort with every bite.
Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen meatballs to save time. Just cook them according to package instructions before adding them to the casserole.
How do I customize my Swedish Meatball Casserole?
You can add vegetables like peas or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. Experiment with different cheeses or spices based on your preference!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare everything, assemble the casserole, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes of baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
Swedish Meatball Casserole is a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Its versatility allows room for customization, so feel free to experiment with ingredients. Try this easy recipe today, and enjoy its rich flavors that bring everyone together!
Swedish Meatball Casserole
Swedish Meatball Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This easy-to-make casserole combines tender meatballs, creamy gravy, and wide egg noodles for a satisfying meal that everyone loves.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- ¾ cup Italian style breadcrumbs
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles
- ½ cup butter
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ cup finely minced onion
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley flakes, minced garlic, onion, beaten egg, salt, and pepper until combined. Shape into 20–24 meatballs.
- Brown meatballs in olive oil over medium-high heat; set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add beef broth and cook until thickened. Stir in sour cream and heavy cream.
- In a casserole dish, layer cooked noodles, top with meatballs, and pour gravy over.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 casserole (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
