Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Noodle Bake:

• 12 oz (340g) egg noodles
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a small bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and allspice.
3. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated—avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
4. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little oil.
2. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning them carefully to cook all sides evenly. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, as they will finish baking in the oven.
3. Remove meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.
3. Gradually whisk in beef broth and then the heavy cream until smooth.
4. Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add egg noodles and cook until just tender (al dente). Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Bake

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked noodles, meatballs, and creamy sauce. Mix gently to coat everything evenly.
3. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese and Parmesan evenly over the top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

1. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
3. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. For extra flair, a dollop of lingonberry jam on the side can bring a sweet and tangy contrast to the creamy, savory casserole.

This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a crowd-pleaser, offering creamy, cheesy layers of comfort while keeping the traditional flavor of authentic Swedish meatballs intact. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for special occasions.

If you want, I can also make a shortcut, one-pan version that reduces cooking and cleanup time but keeps all the creamy flavor intact. Do you want me to do that?