Swedish meatball casserole

Swedish Meatball Casserole

Serves: 4 to 6
Time: ~45 minutes
Comfort level: Very high 😄

Ingredients

Meatballs

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk or cream
• 1 small onion, finely minced
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp butter or oil (for browning)

Sauce

• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional but recommended)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Casserole Add-ins

• 12 oz egg noodles, cooked al dente
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Make the meatballs
   In a large bowl, mix breadcrumbs and milk. Let soak for 1 to 2 minutes. Add onion, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and ground meat. Mix gently until just combined.
   Roll into 1-inch meatballs.
2. Brown the meatballs
   Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. They do not need to be fully cooked. Set aside.
3. Prepare the sauce
   In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
   Slowly whisk in beef broth, then cream. Add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Simmer until thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Assemble the casserole
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine cooked noodles, meatballs, and sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle cheese on top if using.
5. Bake
   Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
6. Serve
   Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm with lingonberry jam or a simple green salad.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute frozen meatballs to save time.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or peas for extra texture.
• For extra richness, stir 2 tablespoons of sour cream into the sauce before baking.

If you want, I can give you a slow-cooker, one-pan, or keto-friendly version too.