Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe

Are you craving a hearty, comforting dish that's easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Swedish Meatball Casserole is the perfect recipe to satisfy your taste buds. Combining tender meatballs, a creamy gravy, and pasta or potatoes, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser for both family dinners and special gatherings. Read on to discover the full recipe and learn some helpful tips to make this dish even more delicious!

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What Are Swedish Meatballs?

Swedish meatballs, or "köttbullar," are small, flavorful meatballs typically made from a blend of ground beef and pork. These meatballs are seasoned with spices like allspice and nutmeg, which give them their signature taste. Traditionally, Swedish meatballs are served with a rich, creamy gravy and paired with mashed potatoes or egg noodles. In this Swedish Meatball Casserole, we’ll take the classic Swedish meatball dish and turn it into an easy-to-make casserole that will soon become a family favorite.

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Ingredients List for Swedish Meatballs

Before diving into the casserole itself, you’ll need to make the Swedish meatballs from scratch. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ pound ground pork
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoon butter (for frying the meatballs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, to help fry meatballs)

These ingredients will yield tender, flavorful meatballs that form the heart of this casserole. If you prefer to use pre-made frozen meatballs, feel free to skip this section and jump ahead to the casserole preparation!

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Ingredients List for Swedish Meatball Casserole

Now that we’ve covered the meatballs, let’s go over the additional ingredients needed to transform this into a creamy casserole:

• 1 package (12 oz) egg noodles (or mashed potatoes if you prefer)
• 2 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoon flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for a cheesy twist)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

The sauce in this casserole is similar to traditional Swedish meatball gravy but slightly thicker, making it ideal for baking. With these ingredients, you’ll have a perfectly balanced casserole that combines creamy, savory, and satisfying flavors.

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Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this Swedish Meatball Casserole is how customizable it can be. Here are a few variations and substitutions to consider:

• Protein Swap: If you prefer to skip pork, you can use all beef or substitute with ground chicken or turkey.
• Gluten-Free: Replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free noodles or mashed potatoes.
• Dairy-Free: Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the meatballs with store-bought vegetarian or plant-based meatballs, and adjust the broth to a vegetable-based stock.
• Cheesy Twist: Adding shredded cheese to the top of the casserole before baking gives it a gooey, melty layer that adds an extra touch of richness.

Feel free to experiment and adjust the ingredients to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs!

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

To make the Swedish Meatball Casserole from scratch, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

• In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, milk, salt, allspice, nutmeg, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
• Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
• Heat 2 tablespoon of butter (or olive oil) in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs until browned on all sides. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoon butter.
• Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
• Gradually add the beef broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
• Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
• Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

• While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

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How to Cook Swedish Meatball Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

• Spread the cooked noodles evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish.
• Place the cooked meatballs on top of the noodles.
• Pour the creamy sauce over the meatballs and noodles, making sure everything is well coated.
• Optional: If you're adding cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.

Step 3: Bake the Casserole

• Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
• After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a straightforward recipe like this one, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Meatballs: Browning the meatballs too long can make them dry. Cook them just until browned and let the oven finish them off.
• Not Thickening the Sauce Enough: If the sauce is too thin, the casserole might turn out soupy. Be sure to cook the roux (flour and butter mixture) thoroughly before adding the broth and cream.
• Overcooking the Noodles: Egg noodles can become mushy if overcooked, so be sure to follow the package instructions and slightly undercook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Swedish Meatball Casserole

Once baked to perfection, your Swedish Meatball Casserole can be served straight from the oven! It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli. Another great accompaniment is a side of cranberry sauce or lingonberry jam, a traditional Swedish pairing that adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the creamy, savory flavors of the casserole.

Presentation Ideas for Swedish Meatball Casserole

While this dish is hearty and comforting, it can still be made to look elegant with a few thoughtful touches:

• Garnish each serving with fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a more refined presentation.
• Add a sprinkle of crispy breadcrumbs or fried onions on top before baking for a crunchy texture.

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Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the baking stage and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it the next day for an easy, stress-free meal.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Freeze the unbaked casserole, then bake it from frozen for about 45 minutes, adding extra time as needed.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen meatballs?
A: Yes! Frozen meatballs are a great time-saver. Just thaw them and add them to the casserole as directed.

Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free noodles and substitute gluten-free flour for the roux.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
A: You can mix in vegetables like peas or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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Conclusion

This Swedish Meatball Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the beloved flavors of Swedish meatballs with the ease of a baked casserole. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. With its rich gravy, tender meatballs, and satisfying pasta or potatoes, this dish is a guaranteed hit! Try it today, and don’t forget to customize it to your liking with the helpful tips and variations provided.

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Happy cooking!