Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe

If you're looking for a cozy and satisfying meal that combines the hearty flavors of Swedish meatballs with the ease of a baked casserole, you’ve come to the right place. Our Swedish Meatball Casserole recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, providing you with a rich and creamy dish that everyone will love. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also offers plenty of options for substitutions and variations, making it a versatile recipe you can easily customize to your taste. Ready to create a comforting dinner that will impress your family? Keep reading for all the details!

What is Swedish Meatball Casserole?

Swedish Meatball Casserole is an adaptation of the traditional Swedish meatball dish, which is known for its tender meatballs in a creamy gravy. In this recipe, the classic flavors of Swedish meatballs are combined with pasta or other starches and baked in a casserole dish for a satisfying, one-dish meal. The casserole form adds an extra layer of convenience while maintaining all the comfort and flavor of the original. It’s perfect for make-ahead meals and reheats well, making it a great option for leftovers.

Ingredients List for Swedish Meatball Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful and comforting casserole:

For the Meatballs:

• Ground beef – 1 lb (you can substitute with pork or turkey)
• Ground pork – ½ lb (optional for more flavor)
• Egg – 1 large
• Breadcrumbs – ½ cup (plain or seasoned)
• Onion – 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
• Allspice – ½ teaspoon
• Nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon
• Salt – 1 teaspoon
• Pepper – ½ teaspoon
• Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped

For the Casserole:

• Egg noodles – 12 oz (or any other pasta, like rotini or penne)
• Butter – 3 tablespoons
• Flour – 3 tablespoons
• Beef broth – 2 cups
• Heavy cream – 1 cup (you can use sour cream for a tangy twist)
• Worcestershire sauce – 1 tablespoon
• Dijon mustard – 1 teaspoon
• Grated Parmesan cheese – ½ cup
• Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 cup
• Salt and pepper – to taste
• Chopped parsley – for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

This Swedish Meatball Casserole recipe is quite versatile, so feel free to tweak the ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few substitution and variation ideas:

• Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef or pork for a lighter version of the meatballs.
• If you prefer, you can skip making homemade meatballs and use frozen store-bought meatballs to save time.
• For a creamier casserole, substitute the heavy cream with sour cream or Greek yogurt for added tang and richness.
• Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs if you're following a gluten-free diet.
• Try adding some vegetables like sliced mushrooms, peas, or spinach to the casserole for extra nutrients.
• If you want to reduce the calorie content, replace the butter with olive oil and the heavy cream with half-and-half or low-fat milk.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s walk through the cooking process. This recipe is broken down into two parts: making the meatballs and assembling the casserole.

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
2. Prepare the meatballs:
   • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, pork, egg, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic powder, allspice, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until well combined.
   • Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.
   • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
3. Cook the pasta:
   • While the meatballs are baking, cook the egg noodles (or your choice of pasta) according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Make the sauce:
   • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
   • Slowly whisk in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until thickened.
   • Add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
5. Assemble the casserole:
   • In the greased casserole dish, combine the cooked pasta and baked meatballs.
   • Pour the creamy sauce over the top and gently toss everything together until the pasta and meatballs are evenly coated.
   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the casserole.
6. Bake:
   • Bake the assembled casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   • Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

How to Cook Swedish Meatball Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Swedish Meatball Casserole is all about balancing flavors and textures. You want the meatballs to be juicy and flavorful, the pasta perfectly cooked, and the sauce rich and creamy. Here’s a quick recap of the steps:

1. Make the meatballs – Combine the ingredients, roll them into balls, and bake them.
2. Cook the pasta – Boil the noodles until al dente.
3. Prepare the sauce – Create a creamy, savory sauce with beef broth, cream, and seasonings.
4. Assemble the casserole – Mix the pasta, meatballs, and sauce in a dish, top with cheese, and bake.
5. Bake until bubbly – Ensure the cheese is melted and golden for a satisfying finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the meatball mixture: If you overwork the meatball ingredients, the meatballs can become tough. Mix just until everything is combined.
• Not thickening the sauce enough: If your sauce is too thin, the casserole can turn out soupy. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens to a gravy-like consistency.
• Undercooking the meatballs: Be sure to bake the meatballs long enough to cook them through, but don’t overcook them, or they’ll dry out.
• Skipping the cheese topping: The melted cheese adds both flavor and texture, so don’t leave it out!

Serving and Presentation Tips

Swedish Meatball Casserole is a hearty and filling dish, so it’s best served alongside light and fresh sides. Here are a few ideas for how to serve and present this comforting dish:

• Fresh salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or green beans add a pop of color and nutrition to your plate.
• Pickled cucumbers: Swedish meatballs are often served with pickled vegetables in Sweden, so adding a side of quick-pickled cucumbers is a nice nod to tradition.
• Lingonberry sauce: If you want to stay authentic, serve the casserole with a dollop of lingonberry sauce for a sweet and tart contrast.

Presentation Ideas for Swedish Meatball Casserole

• Rustic charm: Serve the casserole in a deep, rustic-style dish and garnish with fresh parsley for a homely, inviting look.
• Portion control: Spoon individual servings into small ramekins or bowls, making it easier to serve and adding a touch of elegance to your table.
• Family-style serving: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish with a large spoon for an inviting, family-style meal.

Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe Tips

• If you’re making this recipe ahead of time, prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
• This casserole also freezes well. Assemble it, but don’t bake it yet. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm up the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, frozen meatballs can save you time. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the casserole.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs. Also, ensure your flour or sauce thickener is gluten-free.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you're ready, bake it and serve.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half, sour cream, or even full-fat coconut milk for the heavy cream, depending on your taste and dietary preferences.

Conclusion

This Swedish Meatball Casserole recipe combines all the comforting flavors of Swedish meatballs with the convenience of a baked casserole. Whether you’re looking to impress your family with a hearty weeknight meal or preparing a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up this delicious casserole with confidence. So, grab your apron and start cooking—you’ll love the rich, creamy, and savory goodness of this Swedish Meatball Casserole!

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