Name: Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup milk; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 16 oz pasta (egg noodles or penne); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup beef broth; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 medium onion (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tbsps Worcestershire sauce; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Comfort meets creativity in this delightful Swedish meatball casserole that promises to warm your heart and satisfy your hunger.

Creamy sauce cascades over tender morsels of seasoned meat, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Rich, hearty ingredients come together in a dish that feels like a warm embrace from scandinavia.

Nostalgic yet modern, this recipe captures the essence of traditional cooking with a contemporary twist.

Noodles provide the perfect canvas for these succulent meatballs, soaking up every drop of the luxurious sauce.

Simple to prepare and impossible to resist, this casserole transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds before the first plate is even empty.

Swedish Meatball Casserole – Rich, Savory, Simple

Craft Spooky Treats: Create adorable monster-themed cookies that bring Halloween magic to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum fun.
Kid-Friendly Baking Adventure: Engage children in a delightful cooking experience where they can decorate cookies with silly candy eyes and colorful chocolates.
Quick and Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Mix simple ingredients quickly to produce a batch of cookies that will delight both kids and adults at Halloween parties or gatherings.
Customize with Creativity: Personalize the cookies by adding different candy decorations, making each monster cookie unique and exciting for festive celebrations.

Swedish Meatball Casserole Ingredient List

For the Protein:

Meatballs: Classic Swedish-style ground meat mixture that provides hearty flavor and substance to the casserole.

For the Base Ingredients:

Pasta, Beef Broth: Pasta creates a comforting foundation while beef broth adds deep, rich meaty undertones to the dish.

For the Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:

Cream of Mushroom Soup, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that create a smooth, velvety sauce with tangy complexity.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a bold, umami-rich depth to the overall flavor profile.

For the Aromatics and Garnish:

Onions, Garlic, Parsley: Onions and garlic provide a savory base layer, while parsley offers a fresh, bright finish to the casserole.

Swedish Meatball Casserole: Easy Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for the delicious casserole adventure.

Step 2: Prepare Pasta Perfection

Cook the pasta following the package guidelines.

Once done, drain and set it aside, ready to become the star of our dish.

Step 3: Sizzle Onions and Garlic

Grab a large skillet and create magic by sautéing onions and garlic until they release their mouthwatering aroma and turn golden.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

Toss the meatballs into the skillet and cook them until they develop a delicious golden-brown exterior.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce Sensation

Whip up a dreamy sauce by mixing:

Cream of mushroom soup
Beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
Sour cream

Stir these ingredients until they blend into a rich, velvety mixture.

Step 6: Combine Casserole Components

Transfer the cooked pasta into the skillet, gently folding it with the meatballs and creamy sauce. Pour this heavenly combination into a baking dish.

Step 7: Bake to Bubbly Brilliance

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch for a golden, bubbly top that signals casserole perfection.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting Swedish meatball casserole!

Tricks for Swedish Meatball Casserole

Opt for homemade meatballs for a more authentic flavor and better texture than store-bought versions.
Choose low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Add a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese on top before baking for extra richness and depth of flavor.
For a lighter version, replace sour cream with Greek yogurt and use lean ground meat for the meatballs.

Try New Twists on Swedish Meatball Casserole

Keto Friendly Version: Replace pasta with cauliflower rice, use low-carb meatballs, swap cream of mushroom soup for heavy cream and cream cheese, and add extra herbs for flavor enhancement.
Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate feta cheese, add spinach, use lamb meatballs, replace beef broth with white wine, and sprinkle oregano for a Greek-inspired casserole.
Spicy Southwest Remix: Mix in jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, replace Worcestershire sauce with chipotle sauce, add black beans, and top with cilantro for a zesty kick.
Vegetarian Comfort: Substitute meatballs with plant-based protein balls, use vegetable broth, add roasted mushrooms, include ricotta cheese, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty Swedish meatball casserole with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that brings everyone together.
Scandinavian-Style Comfort: Top with lingonberry jam on the side to add a traditional Swedish touch that brings authentic flavor and tangy sweetness to the dish.
Rustic Potluck Favorite: Create individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation that makes sharing easy at gatherings or potluck events.
Weekend Brunch Twist: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh crusty bread for a delicious weekend breakfast that transforms the casserole into a morning feast.

Store Swedish Meatball Casserole Easily

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the casserole cools completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
Wrap the casserole tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Keep frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger servings, reheat in a 350F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Divide the casserole into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go meals or quick lunches throughout the week.

FAQs

What makes Swedish meatballs different from regular meatballs?

Swedish meatballs typically include a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with nutmeg and allspice, giving them a unique, more complex flavor profile compared to traditional meatballs.

Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, frozen pre-cooked meatballs work well. Just thaw them first and reduce initial cooking time in the skillet to prevent overcooking.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy sauce and pasta make this a comfort food that most children enjoy. The mild flavors are usually appealing to younger palates.

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education

Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

Cozy Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe: A Hearty Family Favorite

Swedish Meatball Casserole – Rich, Savory, Simple

Swedish Meatball Casserole Ingredient List