Swedish Meatball Casserole: a busy-family favorite

This Swedish Meatball Casserole brings warm, creamy flavors and comfort-food vibes to your table with less work than making meatballs and gravy from scratch every time. The meatballs stay tender, the sauce is rich and velvety, and the egg noodles soak up all that good gravy for a plate that feels like a hug.

This casserole is special because the meatballs keep their soft bite inside a creamy, lightly spiced sauce. It’s savory, slightly nutmeg-scented, and very satisfying. Make it when you want a family-friendly meal, a simple weeknight dish, or an easy potluck winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about an hour, most of which is hands-off.
• Uses simple pantry and fridge staples.
• Great for feeding a crowd or saving as leftovers.
• Comforting, creamy flavor that kids and adults love.

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

For the sauce and casserole:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups cooked egg noodles

Step-by-Step Instructions of Swedish Meatball Casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium baking dish.
2. Mix the ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in a large bowl until just combined.
3. Form the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat in batches, about 4 minutes per side, until golden (they will finish cooking in the oven).
5. Pour off excess fat from the skillet, then add the beef broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
6. Stir in the sour cream to make a smooth, creamy sauce. Heat gently until warmed through; do not boil.
7. Place the cooked egg noodles in the prepared baking dish. Arrange the browned meatballs on top and pour the creamy sauce over everything.
8. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and slightly browned on top.
9. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if you like.

Tips for Success

• Brown the meatballs well: the crust adds flavor and keeps them from falling apart.
• Use full-fat sour cream for the creamiest sauce and best texture.
• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture that keeps them tender.
• Cook the noodles al dente so they don’t get mushy after baking.

Substitutions & Variations of Swedish Meatball Casserole

To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free:

• Vegan: Use a plant-based ground “meat” and swap sour cream for a thick cashew cream or vegan sour cream. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free pasta or egg noodles.

Variations:

• Add mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy twist.
• Stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard for a tangy lift.
• Swap the egg noodles for mashed potatoes on top for a shepherd’s-pie-style bake.
• If you like cheesy casseroles, try pairing this idea with a pasta bake like Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce for another weeknight winner.

Storage Instructions of Swedish Meatball Casserole

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Freezer: Freeze cooled casserole in a freezer-safe dish or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole (don’t bake), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if coming straight from the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Swedish Meatball Casserole

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes. You can shape and brown the meatballs, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 1 month. Add a few extra minutes to baking time if cold.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and pork?
Yes. Ground turkey works, but it can be leaner. Add a tablespoon of oil or a little extra egg to keep meatballs moist.

How can I make the sauce thicker?
Stir a small slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water into the simmering broth before adding sour cream; then add the sour cream after it thickens slightly and heat gently.

Final Toughts

This Swedish Meatball Casserole is an easy, cozy dish that wins smiles and seconds. It’s a great weeknight solution and a smart make-ahead meal for busy households. If you try it, leave a comment below and give it a star rating I’d love to hear how your family liked it.

Swedish Meatball Casserole

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A cozy and creamy casserole featuring tender meatballs in a rich sauce, perfect for busy families or potlucks.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups cooked egg noodles

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a medium baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until just combined.
3. Form mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
4. Brown meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for about 4 minutes per side until golden; they will finish cooking in the oven.
5. Pour off excess fat from the skillet, then add beef broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
6. Stir in the sour cream to create a smooth, creamy sauce, heating gently without boiling.
7. Place cooked egg noodles in the prepared baking dish, arrange browned meatballs on top, and pour the creamy sauce over everything.
8. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and slightly browned on top.
9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving, garnishing with extra parsley if desired.

Notes

Brown meatballs well for added flavor. Use full-fat sour cream for creamier texture.

• Author: soukaina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Swedish
• Diet: None