Introduction:
The Swedish meatball noodle bake is a rich combination of traditional Swedish meatballs and cheesy noodles. This dish is perfect for a cozy family meal or potluck dinner, it’s simple to make, filling and satisfying with a touch of Scandinavian cuisine on your plate.
Ingredients:
To prepare meatballs you will need:
1 pound ground beef
½ pound ground pork
1/2 cup bread crumbs
¼ cup milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon allspice powder
¼ teaspoon nutmeg powder
2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
For the Casserole do the following:
12 oz egg noodles (I used wide)
1 tablespoon butter
2 cups beef broth (or stock)
1 cup heavy cream or half and half (I used 18% table cream)
1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (I used Balkan style yogurt as it is thicker and tangier than regular one)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or to taste
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or grainy mustard would work great too!
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (about 3 ounces)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 ounces)
Some fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Oven Warm-up: Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Meatballs:
In a big bowl, mix together bread crumbs and milk. Allow it to rest for a few minutes.
To the breadcrumb mixture, add ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, allspice and nutmeg. Stir until thoroughly combined.
Take a small quantity of the dough between your hands and make meatball about 1 inch in diameter.
Over medium heat melt butter on a large skillet. Brown the meatballs from each side until they are fully cooked through. Take them off the pan and leave aside.
Noodles Cooking: Cook egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet used for meatballs melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
Add beef stock, heavy cream (double), Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Stir thoroughly till it starts simmering.
Turn down the heat to low and stir sour cream into the sauce until it is smooth in texture.
Do not forget to season with salt and pepper according to taste preference.
Assemble Casserole:
Combine cooked noodles with meatballs as well as sauce in a big mixing bowl. Mix everything up so that every single noodle strand is coated with sauce along with meat balls
Grease a baking dish measuring 9×13 inches then transfer mixture there
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese together with shredded cheddar cheese over top surface of casserole
Baking:
Bake for 20-25 minutes in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnishing and Serving:
Top it with chopped fresh parsley if you please, serve hot.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serve: This goes well with a simple green salad or steamed veggies. Serve warm!
Store: Keep extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three days. Then reheat to warm through at 175 degrees Celsius (350°F).
Tips for Success:
Uniform meatball size ensures even cooking.
Don’t overcook the pasta first as it will cook further in the oven.
For richer flavor, make your own beef broth when available.
Health Benefits:
The combination of beef and pork makes this dish a good protein source.
Whole wheat egg noodles contain more fiber than refined ones do.
Vitamins A and C are found in fresh parsley too.
Nutritional Information: (Approximate per serving based on 8 servings)
Calories:520
Protein:28g
Carbohydrates:40g
Fat:28g
Fiber:2g
Sugar :3g
Variations and Substitutions:
Ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives for lighter versions. Also one can switch sour cream with Greek yogurt for a sour taste.Add mushrooms or spinach to include some extra vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I prepare this meal a day before? A: Yes, you can put together the casserole, cover it and keep it in the refrigerator for not more than 24 hours before baking. For cooking from cold, additional bake time of 10 to 15 minutes is required.
Q: Is it possible to freeze this casserole? A: Absolutely, freeze this unbaked casserole and let it thaw out overnight in the fridge. You may have to increase baking time.
Q: What else can I use apart from egg noodles? A: Egg noodles could be replaced with any other pasta shape of your liking like penne or rotini.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: This recipe becomes gluten-free by using breadcrumbs and pasta that are free of gluten.
Conclusion:
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake offers a unique spin on classic American comfort food that combines the richness of Swedish meatballs with creamy noodle casseroles. It’s an adaptable dish that one can adjust to their taste preferences and dietary requirements. Whether serving it at a family dinner or a potluck, you will always find the bake as a great addition to your collection of recipes. Enjoy these blended tastes along with comforting textures!
