Hicham Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a hearty and delicious casserole that combines the rich flavors of Swedish meatballs with creamy noodles and melted Swiss cheese. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a comforting meal on a chilly evening. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake, provide helpful cooking notes, and offer variations to suit different tastes.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 onion, grated
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Casserole:
- 2 1/2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups Swiss cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- Mix Meatball Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, grated onion, garlic powder, ground nutmeg, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form Meatballs:
- Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter.
- Cook Meatballs:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
- Boil Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Casserole
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, heavy cream, and half of the grated Swiss cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Meatballs:
- Gently fold in the cooked meatballs, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Transfer the noodle and meatball mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining grated Swiss cheese evenly over the top.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake hot, and enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish with your family and friends.
Cook Notes and Variations
Cook Notes:
- Meatballs: Ensure the meatballs are cooked through before adding them to the casserole to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Noodles: Cook the egg noodles just until al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
Variations:
- Cheesy Variation:
- Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the noodle mixture for an extra cheesy casserole.
- Vegetable Addition:
- Add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the noodle mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Herb Variation:
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven before serving.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
4. What can I serve with Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake?
This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
5. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the Swiss cheese with other types of cheese such as Gruyère, cheddar, or mozzarella.
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender meatballs, creamy noodles, and melted Swiss cheese, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting weekend dinner, this recipe is simple to follow and full of delicious flavors. Give this Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake recipe a try and enjoy a comforting and delightful meal. Happy cooking!
