Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe

Swedish Meatball Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic Swedish meatballs dish. It combines the savory, flavorful meatballs with a creamy sauce and pasta in a baked casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. If you’re a fan of comforting, hearty meals, then you’ll want to read through this entire recipe to discover all the tips, substitutions, and serving ideas that will make this dish the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

this Recipe

What is a Swedish Meatball Casserole?

Swedish Meatball Casserole is a baked dish that features tender meatballs smothered in a creamy gravy, combined with pasta, and cooked to perfection. This dish has all the traditional flavors of Swedish meatballs but in an easy-to-make casserole form. It's a great way to enjoy a classic favorite with a bit of a twist, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients List for Swedish Meatball Casserole

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ pound ground pork
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably plain or Italian-style)
• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Casserole:

• 8 ounces egg noodles or your favorite pasta
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Ingredients List for the Creamy Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional for added color and flavor)

Substitutions and Variations

• Ground Meat Options: While the classic recipe uses a mix of ground beef and pork, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Variation: Swap out the milk, cream, and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk, coconut cream, and dairy-free sour cream.
• Cheese Topping: You can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère if you prefer a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the meatballs with plant-based meat or lentil-based meatballs for a vegetarian casserole that still packs a punch in flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Make Swedish Meatballs:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Form the Meatballs: Use your hands or a small ice cream scoop to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Brown the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides but not fully cooked through.
5. Set Aside: Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

Preparing the Creamy Sauce

1. Make a Roux: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until a paste forms.
2. Add Liquid: Slowly pour in the milk, beef broth, and continue to whisk until the sauce begins to thicken.
3. Season the Sauce: Add salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and sour cream, mixing well to ensure a velvety texture.

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

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the egg noodles in a pot of salted water until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Assemble the Casserole: In a large casserole dish, layer the cooked pasta, then add the browned meatballs.
3. Pour the Sauce: Evenly pour the creamy sauce over the meatballs and pasta, ensuring everything is well-coated.
4. Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving for best results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Meatballs: Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning the meatballs. This will ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
• Skipping the Roux: The flour-based roux is essential for a thick, creamy sauce. Skipping this step will result in a watery consistency.
• Not Pre-Cooking the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta before assembling the casserole. This helps the pasta absorb the flavors and prevents it from being undercooked.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Swedish Meatball Casserole

• Serve the casserole hot from the oven with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
• For a more traditional touch, you can serve it alongside lingonberry jam, which adds a sweet and tangy flavor contrast to the creamy casserole.

Presentation Ideas for Swedish Meatball Casserole

• Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a fresh herb flavor.
• Family Style: Present the casserole in the baking dish directly on the dinner table for a rustic, home-cooked feel.
• Individual Portions: Serve in small ramekins for a more elegant presentation during special occasions or dinner parties.

Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day in advance and refrigerate them. Assemble the casserole just before baking.
• Freezer-Friendly: This dish freezes well. Just assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding extra time to the baking process.
• Leftover Ideas: Leftovers taste even better the next day! Store them in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs to save time. Just make sure to thaw them slightly before adding them to the casserole so they heat evenly.

What pasta works best in this dish?

Egg noodles are the traditional choice for Swedish Meatball Casserole, but you can also use penne, fusilli, or any short pasta that holds up well in casseroles.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

To avoid curdling, make sure to add the dairy ingredients (like sour cream and heavy cream) off the heat or on a low simmer, stirring constantly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving for the freshest taste.

Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can transfer the meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the cooked pasta during the last hour of cooking.

Conclusion

Swedish Meatball Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that brings all the flavors of traditional Swedish meatballs into a convenient, easy-to-prepare casserole. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, planning a potluck, or just craving a warm, hearty meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try out the tips, variations, and presentation ideas mentioned above to make this dish truly your own. Now that you’ve got all the secrets, go ahead and give this recipe a try — your taste buds will thank you!

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