Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Swedish meatball noodle bake! It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day, with a delightful blend of savory meatballs, creamy mushroom soup, and tender egg noodles all baked together to perfection. The moment I pull it out of the oven, the delicious aroma fills the house, and it instantly takes me back to family dinners at my grandma’s kitchen table. She always made this dish for special occasions, and now I love to carry on that tradition. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last bite!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef: I prefer using a mix of lean and slightly fatty beef for juiciness.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: This helps bind the meatballs and gives them a nice texture.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the meatballs.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binding agent for the meatballs.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that aromatic kick!
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for flavoring.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Just enough for a bit of warmth.
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles: The heart of this dish, cooked to al dente.
- 2 cups cream of mushroom soup: For that creamy, comforting sauce.
- 1 cup beef broth: Keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a rich umami character.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: For extra creaminess and tang!
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley: A fresh garnish to brighten things up.
How to Prepare Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making this delightful Swedish meatball noodle bake! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen pro by the end of it. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is essential because we want everything to cook evenly and come together beautifully.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Don’t be shy! Get in there with your hands and mix it all together until it’s well combined. Then, roll the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Pop those meatballs in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until they’re browned and cooked through. While those are baking, grab another bowl and mix together the cooked egg noodles, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and sour cream. This creamy goodness is the sauce that ties everything together!
Once the meatballs are done, gently stir them into the noodle mixture. Transfer everything to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake this heavenly concoction for another 20 minutes, until it’s bubbly and golden on top. Before serving, sprinkle with a little chopped parsley for that fresh touch!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes or until they’re fully cooked.
- While the meatballs are baking, in another bowl, mix the cooked egg noodles, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and sour cream until smooth.
- Once the meatballs are done, fold them gently into the noodle mixture.
- Transfer everything to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for another 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The comforting flavors of savory meatballs and creamy sauce create a warm, nostalgic meal.
- It’s a one-dish wonder—easy to serve and clean up afterward!
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables or alternative meats.
- Leftovers are just as delicious, making it great for meal prep!
Tips for Success
To truly elevate your Swedish meatball noodle bake, here are my top tips! First, don’t skip the step of baking the meatballs separately; it helps them keep their shape and adds a lovely caramelization. If you want extra flavor, try adding a splash of soy sauce to the sauce mixture—it’s a game changer! Also, be mindful not to overbake the final dish; you want it bubbly but not dried out. And if you have leftovers, reheat gently in the oven for the best texture. Lastly, feel free to mix in your favorite veggies for added nutrition and color!
Variations
There are so many fun ways to switch up this Swedish meatball noodle bake! For a healthier twist, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef—just as tasty! You can also sneak in some veggies; I love adding frozen peas or diced carrots for a pop of color and nutrition. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or even a homemade white sauce for a different flavor profile. And don’t forget about cheese! Mixing in some shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top before the final bake can add an irresistible gooey layer!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Swedish meatball noodle bake is super simple! Just let it cool completely, then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it too! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and it should stay good for about 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but I recommend the oven for the best texture!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for a serving of this delightful Swedish meatball noodle bake. Each serving (1 cup) contains approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute with any pasta you like, such as rotini or penne. Just make sure to cook it al dente before mixing!
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re not a fan of mushroom soup, try using cream of chicken soup or make a homemade white sauce with cream and seasonings for a delicious alternative.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything a day in advance, just assemble it and bake it when you’re ready. This makes it perfect for entertaining!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.
Can I add vegetables to the bake?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some frozen peas, corn, or even sautéed spinach for added nutrition and flavor!
Swedish meatball noodle bake: 7 Comforting Flavors Unleashed
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting Swedish meatball noodle bake made with savory meatballs and pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles
- 2 cups cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form into small meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked noodles, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and sour cream.
- Stir in the baked meatballs and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a healthier option, use ground turkey.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or corn.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: swedish meatball noodle bake
