Oh, let me tell you about this *Swedish meatball noodle bake*! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy family dinners. I first discovered this gem on a chilly evening when I wanted something hearty but didn’t want to spend all night in the kitchen. As soon as I took my first bite, I was transported to comfort food heaven! The combination of tender meatballs, creamy sauce, and perfectly baked noodles is just irresistible. Plus, it’s super easy to throw together, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when I have friends over. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a staple in your home too!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef – I prefer using 80/20 for that juicy flavor!
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – These help bind the meatballs together, so don’t skip them!
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a deliciously nutty flavor to the meatballs.
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley – Fresh parsley brightens up the dish beautifully.
- 1 egg – This is the magic ingredient that holds everything together!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – I love the depth this brings to the meatballs.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – A must for that savory flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Season generously to enhance all the flavors!
- 8 ounces egg noodles – I usually go for wide egg noodles, but any type works.
- 2 cups beef broth – Use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
- 1 cup sour cream – This adds creaminess and tang to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – A little kick for that umami flavor!
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – For that gooey, melty topping that everyone loves.
How to Prepare the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
Alright, let’s get cooking! This part is where the magic happens, and I promise it’s easier than you think. First, we’re going to make those delicious meatballs. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together with your hands—don’t be shy! You want everything to be well incorporated. Once mixed, form the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs for about 8-10 minutes, turning them until they’re browned on all sides. Set them aside when done.
Preparing the Meatballs
To prepare the meatballs, make sure your hands are slightly damp to prevent the mixture from sticking. Mix everything together until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep them tender! Once formed, place them in the skillet with a little oil and cook until they’re golden brown. This not only seals in the flavor but also gives them that nice crispy exterior.
Cooking the Noodles
While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your egg noodles. Cook according to package instructions, usually around 6-8 minutes, until they’re al dente. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse them; you want that starch to help the sauce cling later!
Assembling the Dish
Now it’s time to bring everything together! In a large baking dish, combine the cooked egg noodles and meatballs. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture over the noodles and meatballs, making sure everything is nicely coated. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top—oh, it’s going to be so gooey and delicious!
Baking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pop that baking dish in for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking—nobody wants a dry noodle bake!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Kid-approved—everyone loves those tender meatballs and creamy noodles!
- Great for meal prep; leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Versatile—add your favorite veggies to sneak in some greens!
- One-dish wonder means less cleanup—always a win in my book!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your *Swedish meatball noodle bake* turns out perfectly! First off, if you’re short on time, feel free to use pre-cooked meatballs—just brown them briefly in the skillet before mixing with the noodles. For a little extra flavor, try adding sautéed onions or mushrooms to the mix. If you want to lighten things up, swap out half of the sour cream for Greek yogurt; it’ll still be creamy but with a tangy twist! And remember, when combining the noodles and meatballs, be gentle to keep those meatballs intact. Trust me, these little tips will elevate your dish!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: the nutritional values for this *Swedish meatball noodle bake* can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I strive to provide accurate information, please keep in mind that the precise nutritional data is not guaranteed. Always check your labels for the most accurate info!
FAQ Section
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the baking step and then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
What can I use instead of beef broth? If you want a lighter flavor, chicken broth works well, too! You might even try vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist, though it’ll change the taste a bit.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave!
Can I add vegetables? Of course! Feel free to toss in some frozen peas, chopped broccoli, or even sautéed spinach for a nutritious boost. Just mix them in with the noodles and meatballs!
What can I substitute for sour cream? Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute if you’re looking for a lighter option with a similar creaminess. Just be sure to use plain yogurt!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your delicious *Swedish meatball noodle bake*, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it! Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn; it’s good for about 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to keep the moisture in. Enjoy every last bite!
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Swedish meatball noodle bake: 5-star cozy comfort dish
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting dish featuring Swedish meatballs and noodles baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into meatballs.
- Cook the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions and drain.
- In a separate bowl, combine beef broth, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix the cooked noodles and meatballs in a baking dish.
- Pour the broth mixture over the noodles and meatballs.
- Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- You can use pre-cooked meatballs for a quicker option.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or broccoli.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: swedish meatball noodle bake
