Looking for a comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s sure to satisfy the entire family? Look no further than this Swedish Meatball Casserole! This recipe takes the classic flavors of Swedish meatballs—rich, creamy gravy and tender meatballs—and turns them into a hearty casserole that's perfect for busy weeknights or even cozy weekend meals. Stick around, because by the end of this article, you'll know exactly how to make this delicious dish, along with some pro tips for substitutions, variations, and serving ideas.
What is a “Swedish Meatball Casserole”?
A Swedish Meatball Casserole is a baked version of traditional Swedish meatballs served with creamy gravy and egg noodles. Instead of individually pan-frying the meatballs and serving them separately, this casserole brings everything together in one dish—meatballs, noodles, gravy, and even cheese for an extra comforting touch. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or for serving at your next potluck.
Ingredients List for Swedish Meatball Casserole
To make this comforting dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork (optional, or use all beef)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely minced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoon butter or oil (for browning the meatballs)
- For the Casserole:
- 3 cups egg noodles (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this Swedish Meatball Casserole is its flexibility. Here are some substitutions and variations to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:
- Meat Options: While the traditional version uses a combination of beef and pork, you can use all beef, all pork, or even ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. For a vegetarian option, you could use plant-based meat alternatives.
- Noodles: Egg noodles are commonly used in Swedish meatball recipes, but you can substitute them with other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or even whole-wheat noodles for a healthier twist.
- Sauce: If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken or cream of celery works just as well. You can even make your own white sauce using a roux of butter and flour, adding in broth and milk.
- Cheese Options: Parmesan and mozzarella are great for that extra cheesy richness, but you can also use cheddar or gouda, depending on your preferences.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs and swap out the egg noodles for a gluten-free pasta.
- Dairy-Free: Swap the milk, sour cream, and cheese for non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, dairy-free sour cream, and vegan cheese.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the actual cooking process. Follow these easy steps to create your very own Swedish Meatball Casserole:
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced onion, garlic, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the ingredients until well combined but don’t overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
- Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set aside.
- Brown the Meatballs:
- Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the meatballs in batches, cooking them until they are golden on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. The meatballs don’t need to be fully cooked through as they will finish cooking in the oven.
- Set the browned meatballs aside on a plate.
- Cook the Egg Noodles:
- While the meatballs are browning, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the cooked egg noodles and half of the Parmesan cheese (if using).
- Gently fold in the browned meatballs, making sure they are evenly distributed.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Pour the noodle and meatball mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Top with the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.
How to Cook Swedish Meatball Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Mix and Roll Meatballs: Combine the ingredients and roll into meatballs, ensuring they’re bite-sized for even cooking and easy serving.
- Brown the Meatballs: Browning them in a skillet helps to lock in flavor while adding a delicious crust.
- Cook the Noodles: Cook your egg noodles until al dente to ensure they don't become mushy after baking.
- Assemble the Dish: Mix the meatballs and noodles with the creamy sauce, then bake until the cheese is perfectly melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving, then top with fresh parsley for a bright, herby finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Meatballs: Be careful not to overcook the meatballs during the browning stage. They only need a sear, as they'll finish cooking in the oven.
- Undercooking the Noodles: Make sure to cook the noodles to al dente. Overcooking them before baking can result in a mushy texture in the final dish.
- Skipping Seasoning: Don’t forget to season your meatball mixture and sauce. A well-seasoned base ensures that the flavors of the entire dish pop.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Swedish Meatball Casserole is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and toppings. Here are some serving ideas to elevate your meal:
- How to Serve Swedish Meatball Casserole:
Serve the casserole hot, directly from the oven. You can serve it as a stand-alone meal since it already contains meat, pasta, and sauce, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty garlic bread on the side. - Presentation Ideas for Swedish Meatball Casserole:
To make the dish look even more appetizing, garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives. You can also serve individual portions in ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make-Ahead Option: You can make the casserole in advance and refrigerate it overnight. The flavors will meld together beautifully. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.
- Freezing Instructions: This casserole freezes well. Simply assemble the dish (without baking), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use frozen meatballs for this casserole?
Yes! You can use store-bought frozen meatballs to save time. Just thaw them before assembling the casserole. - How long does this casserole last in the fridge?
The casserole will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. - Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the breadcrumbs and egg noodles with gluten-free alternatives. - Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes, you can substitute the milk, sour cream, and cheese with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and vegan cheese.
Conclusion
The Swedish Meatball Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the hearty goodness of meatballs with the creamy richness of a casserole. With its simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, this recipe is easy to make and customize to suit your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or something to impress at your next family gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Give it a try, and don't forget to experiment with the substitutions and variations to make it your own!
PrintSwedish Meatball Casserole Recipe
This Swedish Meatball Casserole recipe combines flavorful meatballs, egg noodles, and a rich, creamy sauce. It's a quick and easy take on classic Swedish flavors, baked into a comforting casserole. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family meals, this dish is both satisfying and delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Ground pork
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Onion
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Allspice
- Nutmeg
- Egg noodles
- Butter
- Flour
- Beef broth
- Sour cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg in a bowl. Shape into meatballs.
- Brown meatballs in a skillet; remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Gradually stir in beef broth to form a sauce.
- Stir in sour cream, then combine with cooked egg noodles.
- Transfer noodles and sauce to a casserole dish, top with meatballs.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- To save time, you can use frozen meatballs.
- Use heavy cream instead of sour cream for a richer sauce.
- Serve with lingonberry jam for a traditional Swedish touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
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