Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe

Swedish meatballs are a beloved classic known for their savory flavor and creamy gravy, but have you ever thought about transforming this delicious dish into a casserole? This Swedish Meatball Casserole recipe takes everything you love about traditional Swedish meatballs and layers it into a hearty, comforting bake. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds. Stick with us to the end of this article to learn how to make this crowd-pleasing meal, including step-by-step instructions, tips for substitutions, and expert advice on serving and presentation!

this Recipe

What Are Swedish Meatballs?

Swedish meatballs, known as "köttbullar" in Sweden, are tender, bite-sized meatballs typically made from a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with onions, allspice, and nutmeg, and served in a creamy gravy. They’re usually paired with mashed potatoes or egg noodles and a side of lingonberry sauce for a perfect balance of savory and sweet. In this casserole version, we take all the traditional elements and bake them together with pasta, cheese, and a luscious sauce for the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients List for Swedish Meatball Casserole

To create this delicious casserole, you’ll need a combination of ingredients for the meatballs, the sauce, and the casserole itself. Here's what you’ll need:

Meatball Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ lb ground pork
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)

Sauce Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoon butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Casserole Ingredients:

• 12 oz egg noodles (or pasta of your choice)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredients List for Swedish Meatball Casserole

Since the key to any good recipe is great ingredients, let’s make sure you’ve got everything lined up. As mentioned earlier, this casserole brings together meatballs, pasta, cheese, and creamy sauce. Here's a breakdown of the quantities and additional notes on the ingredients:

Meatball Substitutions and Variations:

• Ground Meat: You can use all beef, all pork, or even ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For vegetarians, substitute with plant-based meat or pre-made vegetarian meatballs.
• Spices: Allspice and nutmeg are essential to get that authentic Swedish flavor, but you can adjust the amount of seasoning to your liking. If you prefer a spicier version, you could add a dash of cayenne or paprika.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk in the meatballs with almond milk or another dairy-free alternative. Use a dairy-free cream or coconut milk for the sauce, and skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese.

Casserole Substitutions and Variations:

• Pasta: Egg noodles are traditional, but feel free to use any pasta you like. Penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta would work just as well.
• Cheese: If you prefer a sharper cheese, you can use Gruyere, Swiss, or even cheddar. For a lighter option, reduce the amount of cheese or skip the mozzarella altogether and just sprinkle Parmesan on top.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Swedish Meatball Casserole

Ready to dive into the cooking process? Follow these simple steps to prepare your Swedish Meatball Casserole:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, diced onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
2. Shape the mixture into small, evenly-sized meatballs (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter).
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides (about 6-8 minutes), then transfer to a plate. The meatballs don’t need to be fully cooked yet since they’ll finish cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the meatballs for extra flavor.
4. Once smooth, stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. While making the sauce, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. In a large casserole dish, layer the cooked egg noodles, browned meatballs, and pour the creamy sauce over the top. Toss everything gently to ensure the sauce evenly coats the noodles and meatballs.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese on top, followed by Parmesan.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

1. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color.

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

1. Prepare and brown the meatballs: Ensure the meatballs are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
2. Make a smooth roux for the sauce: Stir continuously when adding the broth to avoid lumps.
3. Layer carefully: Make sure to spread the noodles, meatballs, and sauce evenly in the casserole dish for uniform flavor.
4. Bake to perfection: Don’t rush the baking process. Allow the cheese to melt and brown slightly for an appetizing finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overworking the meatball mixture: This can lead to dense, tough meatballs. Mix gently to keep them tender.
2. Skipping the browning step: Browning the meatballs adds crucial flavor, so don’t skip this step even though they’ll cook more in the oven.
3. Undercooking the sauce: Be sure to cook the sauce long enough for it to thicken. A watery sauce can make the casserole soggy.
4. Overcooking the pasta: Slightly undercook the pasta before baking to prevent it from becoming mushy in the casserole.

Serving and Presentation Tips

The beauty of a casserole is in its comforting, rustic appeal, but that doesn’t mean you can’t serve it with a touch of elegance! Here’s how to present your Swedish Meatball Casserole to wow your guests:

• Garnish: Fresh parsley or dill will add a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve with sides: Complement the richness of the casserole with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
• Lingonberry sauce: Offer a small side of lingonberry sauce, a traditional Swedish accompaniment, to balance the richness of the dish with a hint of sweetness.

How to Serve Swedish Meatball Casserole

For a complete meal, consider serving this Swedish Meatball Casserole with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even some crusty bread. The savory richness of the meatballs and sauce pairs perfectly with lighter, crunchy sides like a cucumber salad or green beans.

Presentation Ideas for Swedish Meatball Casserole

• Family-style serving: Bring the casserole dish directly to the table for a warm, inviting presentation.
• Individual portions: For a more polished look, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or plates, garnished with fresh herbs.

Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply bake as instructed when you're ready to serve.
• Freezer-friendly: This casserole also freezes well. Just freeze it before the baking step, and when ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.
• Double the batch: For larger gatherings, you can easily double this recipe and bake in two casserole dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free? A: Yes! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs and substitute gluten-free pasta for the noodles.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Just store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream? A: If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce won’t be as rich.

Conclusion

This Swedish Meatball Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender meatballs, savory sauce, and gooey cheese into a single, crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or prepping it ahead for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. With simple ingredients, easy substitutions, and step-by-step instructions, you can’t go wrong. Give this casserole a try, and don’t forget to experiment with variations to suit your taste!

Print