Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake – The Ultimate Creamy Comfort Food Casserole

There’s nothing quite like digging into a warm, bubbling casserole that hits all the right notes—tender meat, creamy sauce, gooey cheese, and satisfying noodles. This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake delivers on every front. It’s the kind of comfort food classic that brings everyone to the table and leaves no leftovers behind.

With homemade meatballs, a silky beef cream sauce, and perfectly cooked egg noodles, this dish is built for cozy dinners, chilly nights, and hearty appetites. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Why This Swedish Meatball Casserole Will Be Your New Favorite

Creamy, cheesy, savory—every bite is loaded with flavor
Tender homemade meatballs for a rustic, satisfying texture
Egg noodles that soak up all the saucy goodness
Easy to prep ahead or double for a crowd
Great for cold-weather dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings

It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a casserole dish—hearty, nostalgic, and incredibly easy to love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs

½ onion, finely chopped
2 Tbsp olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
1 lb ground beef
¼ tsp ground nutmeg (for that classic Swedish flavor)
1 large egg
1 tsp salt
½ cup breadcrumbs
½ tsp black pepper

For the Casserole

2½ cups egg noodles
1 pint heavy whipping cream
1 cup beef broth
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1½ cups Swiss cheese, grated
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley, for garnish

How to Make Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

2. Mix and Shape the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

Ground beef
Onion
Garlic powder
Nutmeg
Salt
Pepper
Egg
Breadcrumbs

Use clean hands or a spoon to gently mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender. Form into 1-inch balls.

3. Sear the Meatballs

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan), and sear until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Tip: Browning the meatballs first adds depth and locks in flavor.

4. Prepare the Creamy Sauce

Using the same skillet (no need to clean it), add:

Beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
Heavy whipping cream

Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce reduce slightly, about 5–7 minutes, until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Cook the Noodles

While the sauce simmers, cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. Drain well—do not rinse. The starch helps the sauce cling better.

6. Assemble the Casserole

In the greased baking dish:

Spread cooked noodles evenly along the bottom.
Add seared meatballs over the noodles.
Pour the creamy sauce evenly over everything.
Sprinkle grated Swiss cheese generously over the top.

Tip: Use freshly shredded Swiss cheese—it melts creamier than pre-shredded.

7. Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until:

The cheese is melted and golden
The sauce is bubbling around the edges

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes serving easier.

8. Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving. It adds a bright, fresh touch that cuts through the richness.

Helpful Tips for Success

✅ Use a mix of beef and pork for more authentic Swedish meatballs
✅ Don’t skip the nutmeg—it gives classic flavor to the meatballs
✅ Grate your own cheese for best melt and texture
✅ Let the sauce simmer until it slightly thickens for a luxurious finish
✅ If sauce thickens too much while baking, add a splash of cream or broth before reheating leftovers

Recipe Variations

This casserole is flexible! Try these easy tweaks:

🧀 Cheese Swap

Replace Swiss with Gruyère, Provolone, or Mozzarella
Add a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for sharpness

🥦 Add Veggies

Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas before baking
Add a layer of steamed broccoli for extra nutrition

🍖 Protein Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for lighter meatballs
Mix half pork, half beef for richer, juicier results

🌾 Make it Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free egg noodles
Ensure Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free

Serving Suggestions

This hearty dish is satisfying on its own, but you can round it out with:

A simple green salad with vinaigrette
Garlic bread or keto rolls for dipping
Steamed green beans or roasted carrots for contrast

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
Freeze in individual portions for easy future meals
Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave until hot—add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, in a pinch! Use fully cooked meatballs, and bake as directed after assembling.

❓ What if I don’t like Swiss cheese?

No problem—mozzarella, gouda, provolone, or even cheddar will work beautifully.

❓ Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the entire casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is more than just a casserole—it’s a full-flavored, soul-warming meal that brings family and friends together. The creamy sauce, homemade meatballs, and gooey cheese are everything you want in a comfort food dish—easy to make, hard to resist, and impossible to forget.

Perfect for Sunday dinners, meal prepping, or cozy nights in, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.