Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe

If you're craving a comforting, easy-to-make meal that'll transport your taste buds to Scandinavia, you've got to try Swedish Meatball Casserole. This dish combines frozen meatballs, creamy sauce, and egg noodles into a one-pan wonder that'll save you time and satisfy your hunger. You'll love how quickly it comes together, with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Curious about how to turn simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dinner? Let's break down this classic comfort food recipe that'll become your new weeknight go-to.

Recipe Highlights

• A Swedish Meatball Casserole combines frozen meatballs, egg noodles, and a creamy sauce for an easy one-dish meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
• To prepare, layer cooked egg noodles and thawed Swedish meatballs in a baking dish, then cover with a mixture of cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and beef broth.
• Bake the casserole at 375°F, first covered with foil for 30 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until browned and bubbling.
• The recipe requires minimal ingredients, including 24 oz frozen Swedish meatballs, 12 oz wide egg noodles, 2 cans cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup sour cream, and 2 cups beef broth.
• After baking, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to allow the sauce to set and flavors to develop, then serve with steamed vegetables or a side salad.

History

While Swedish meatballs might seem like a quintessential Scandinavian dish, they actually have a fascinating international origin. King Charles XII brought the recipe back to Sweden from Turkey in the early 18th century, introducing a culinary tradition that would become a national favorite.

These meatballs weren't originally Swedish at all, but a delicious import that transformed Swedish cuisine. You'll find they quickly became a staple in home cooking, with each family developing their own unique twist on the classic recipe.

Traditional Swedish meatballs, or köttbullar, typically include a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with nutmeg and allspice. They're traditionally served with lingonberry jam, creamy gravy, and pickled cucumbers.

Today, they've become a global comfort food, beloved far beyond Sweden's borders.

Recipe

Swedish Meatball Casserole transforms the classic comfort food into an easy, delicious one-dish meal that brings all the rich, savory flavors of traditional Swedish meatballs into a simple casserole format. This recipe combines tender meatballs, creamy sauce, and hearty egg noodles for a satisfying dinner that comes together with minimal preparation.

Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this casserole offers the same beloved taste of Swedish meatballs with significantly less effort. The combination of cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and beef broth creates a luscious sauce that coats the meatballs and noodles, delivering a comforting and filling meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 24 oz frozen Swedish meatballs
• 12 oz wide egg noodles
• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups beef broth

Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare the egg noodles according to package instructions, cooking them until they're al dente.

While the noodles are cooking, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and beef broth in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked noodles, then arrange the meatballs evenly over the noodles. Add the remaining noodles on top, and then pour the creamy sauce mixture over the entire casserole, ensuring everything is well covered.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is lightly browned and the sauce is bubbling.

For the best results, completely thaw the meatballs before assembling the casserole and allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes after baking to help the sauce set properly.

If the casserole appears too dry during cooking, simply add a splash of beef broth or water to maintain moisture, and continue baking until the desired consistency is achieved.

Cooking Steps

You'll start by boiling the egg noodles until they're perfectly al dente.

Then mix your creamy sauce ingredients in a large bowl, creating a rich, velvety base for your casserole.

Next, layer half the cooked noodles in your baking dish, arranging the thawed Swedish meatballs carefully over them.

Then top with the remaining noodles and pour the sauce mixture evenly across the top.

Your casserole is now ready to transform in the oven, promising a comforting meal that'll bring warmth and flavor to your dinner table.

Step 1. Boil Egg Noodles

Because perfectly cooked egg noodles are the foundation of a great casserole, you'll want to follow these precise boiling steps to ensure ideal texture and doneness.

Select a large pot and fill it with 4-6 quarts of water, adding 1-2 tablespoons of salt to enhance flavor. Bring water to a rolling boil over high heat, watching for consistent, vigorous bubbling.

Gently add 12 oz of wide egg noodles, stirring immediately to prevent sticking. Cook for 6-8 minutes, checking frequently for al dente texture: noodles should be tender but still firm when bitten. Avoid overcooking, which results in mushy, limp noodles.

Test doneness by removing a noodle and cutting it in half – its center should have a slight firmness. Drain immediately in a colander, shaking to remove excess water.

Step 2. Mix Cream Ingredients

After draining those perfectly al dente noodles, grab a large mixing bowl to prepare the creamy sauce that'll bind your casserole together.

You'll want to whisk the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and beef broth until they're smooth and fully integrated. Use a sturdy whisk or spatula to blend the ingredients, ensuring no lumpy spots remain in your sauce.

Watch for a consistent, creamy texture that looks rich and inviting. The key is combining these elements thoroughly, creating a sauce that'll coat your noodles and meatballs beautifully.

Pay attention to the proportions: two cans of soup, one cup of sour cream, and two cups of beef broth will give you the perfect consistency. Blend carefully, and you're ready for the next step in your Swedish meatball casserole adventure.

Step 3. Layer Half the Noodles

Every great casserole begins with a strategic foundation, and in this Swedish meatball dish, layering your first batch of noodles is a critical step toward culinary success.

Start by spreading a generous, even layer of cooked egg noodles across the bottom of your 9×13 baking dish, ensuring complete coverage. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, uniform base that'll support the meatballs and sauce.

Key layering tips:

• Drain noodles thoroughly before placing in dish
• Leave about a 1/2-inch border around dish edges
• Gently press noodles to create a compact layer
• Aim for an even thickness across the entire surface

This foundational noodle layer will absorb the rich, creamy sauce and provide delicious structure to your casserole.

Step 4. Arrange Meatballs Over Noodles

Once you've laid down that first beautiful layer of noodles, it's time to strategically position your Swedish meatballs across the surface.

Spread the thawed meatballs evenly, ensuring about 4-5 meatballs per row, creating a consistent distribution that'll guarantee each serving gets a fair share of those rich, seasoned spheres.

Use gentle movements to nestle the meatballs into the noodle layer, preventing them from rolling around. Aim for a slight overlap to maximize coverage, but don't crowd the pan—you'll want the sauce to flow freely between and around each meatball.

The goal is a visually appealing arrangement that promises delicious bites in every forkful, setting the stage for the creamy sauce you'll soon pour over this comforting casserole.

Step 5. Add Remaining Sauce

The final layer of creamy, savory goodness arrives when you'll pour the remaining sauce over your carefully arranged meatball and noodle landscape.

Evenly distribute the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and beef broth mixture, ensuring complete coverage of the dish's layers. Use a large spoon or measuring cup to drizzle the sauce, aiming for uniform distribution that will penetrate between noodles and meatballs.

• Pour slowly to prevent spillage
• Tilt the baking dish if needed for even coverage
• Aim for a consistent sauce layer about 1/4-inch deep

The sauce should look slightly thin at this stage, but don't worry—it'll thicken beautifully during baking.

Gently shake the dish to help the sauce settle into all the delicious nooks and crannies.

Final Thoughts

When you're craving a comforting meal that comes together quickly, this Swedish meatball casserole checks all the boxes. You'll love how simple it's to prepare, with minimal prep and maximum flavor. The dish transforms standard ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that'll impress your family and save you time in the kitchen.

Pro tips for success include completely thawing your meatballs, ensuring even cooking throughout the casserole. Don't rush the resting period after baking—those critical 10 minutes help the sauce thicken and develop deeper flavors. If you're meal prepping, this casserole stores beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it a smart choice for busy weeknights.