Swedish Meatball Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines the rich, creamy flavors of traditional Swedish meatballs with the ease and convenience of a casserole. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or for entertaining, as it can be prepped ahead of time and is always a crowd-pleaser. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through every step, from making the meatballs to preparing the casserole, with plenty of tips and tricks along the way. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this delicious dish!

What Are Swedish Meatballs?
Swedish meatballs, or “köttbullar,” are a classic dish from Sweden known for their rich, savory flavor and creamy sauce. Unlike Italian meatballs, Swedish meatballs are often made with a mixture of ground beef and pork, and are spiced with allspice and nutmeg, which gives them a warm, unique flavor. Traditionally served with lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes, Swedish meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to various dishes, like this casserole. In this recipe, we’re combining the flavor of Swedish meatballs with the ease of a casserole to create a delicious, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients List for Swedish Meatballs
To make the Swedish meatballs from scratch, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoon butter (for frying)
These ingredients will form the base of your Swedish meatballs, creating a juicy, flavorful combination that works beautifully in the casserole. The allspice and nutmeg add warmth to the meatballs, while the onions and garlic infuse them with savory depth.
Ingredients List for the Casserole
For the casserole portion of this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
The casserole is built around egg noodles and a creamy sauce, which perfectly complements the meatballs. The beef broth and Worcestershire sauce add a savory, umami kick to the dish, while the heavy cream and sour cream make the sauce rich and velvety.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up or make the dish a bit lighter, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try. For a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork, though this will slightly change the flavor profile. You can also swap out regular egg noodles for whole-wheat noodles or even gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions.
If you want to add a bit of extra flavor or texture, consider mixing in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or kale to the casserole. Adding a handful of shredded cheese, like Swiss or Gruyère, can also take this dish to the next level by adding a creamy, melty element to the casserole.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but don’t overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form the Meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into small, even-sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 24-30 meatballs depending on the size.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning them occasionally to ensure all sides are browned. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the casserole.
- Cook the Noodles: While the meatballs are browning, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet you used for the meatballs, add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the Worcestershire sauce and heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, then stir in the sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked egg noodles on the bottom. Arrange the browned meatballs evenly over the noodles. Pour the creamy sauce over the top, making sure everything is well coated.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and extra flavor.
How to Cook Swedish Meatball Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
This dish is designed to be simple and approachable, even for those who may not be very experienced in the kitchen. The key steps are making the meatballs, preparing the sauce, and assembling the casserole. By following the detailed instructions above, you’ll create a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender meatballs, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles makes this a guaranteed hit!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overworking the Meatball Mixture: When mixing the meatball ingredients, be careful not to overwork the mixture. This can make the meatballs tough and dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Not Browning the Meatballs Properly: Browning the meatballs before baking is crucial for developing flavor. Make sure the skillet is hot and don’t overcrowd the pan, or the meatballs will steam instead of brown.
- Skipping the Roux for the Sauce: Don’t skip the step of making the roux (butter and flour mixture). This is what thickens the sauce and gives it a creamy, luxurious texture.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When serving Swedish Meatball Casserole, consider adding some simple sides to complete the meal. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or a slice of crusty bread would pair wonderfully with the rich and creamy casserole. For a traditional Swedish touch, you can serve a small bowl of lingonberry jam on the side, which adds a sweet-tart contrast to the savory meatballs.
How to Serve Swedish Meatball Casserole
This dish is best served family-style, straight from the baking dish. Use a large spoon to scoop out portions of noodles, meatballs, and sauce, ensuring each serving has a bit of everything. If you’re hosting a dinner party or special event, consider portioning the casserole into individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Presentation Ideas for Swedish Meatball Casserole
For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle the finished casserole with fresh parsley or dill for a pop of green color. You can also add a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or a few crispy fried onions on top to add some texture and visual appeal. Serve it in a rustic, oven-to-table dish to keep the presentation casual and inviting.
Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
- Freezing: You can freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before assembling the casserole to ensure it’s well-seasoned. If it tastes bland, add a bit more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use store-bought meatballs?
A: Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use frozen or pre-made meatballs. Just thaw them before adding them to the casserole.
Q: Can I make this casserole without noodles?
A: If you prefer a low-carb version, you can omit the noodles and replace them with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, cauliflower, or mushrooms.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, while egg noodles are traditional, you can use any pasta you like, such as rotini, penne, or farfalle.
Conclusion
Swedish Meatball Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, blending the familiar flavors of Swedish meatballs with a creamy, hearty casserole that’s sure to please the whole family. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is versatile, easy to prepare, and endlessly delicious. With the tips and techniques outlined in this recipe, you’ll be able to create a perfectly balanced and flavorful meal that’s bound to become a household favorite. Happy cooking!
PrintSwedish Meatball Casserole Recipe
This Swedish Meatball Casserole recipe combines tender meatballs with creamy pasta in a savory sauce, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Featuring traditional flavors, it's a satisfying comfort food dish that's sure to please.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Bread crumbs
- Onion, finely chopped
- Egg
- Garlic powder
- Salt & pepper
- Butter
- Flour
- Beef broth
- Sour cream
- Pasta (such as egg noodles)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form meatballs.
- In a skillet, brown meatballs until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter, add flour, and stir to make a roux. Slowly whisk in beef broth, cooking until thickened.
- Stir in sour cream, then add the meatballs to the sauce.
- Combine cooked pasta and meatballs in a casserole dish. Pour sauce over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, use a mixture of ground beef and pork for the meatballs.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
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