Swedish Meatball Casserole: 7 Comforting Reasons to Try It

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Swedish Meatball Casserole! It’s the ultimate comfort food, wrapped in a creamy sauce that just hugs all the hearty flavors together. I remember the first time I made this for my family; the kitchen was filled with the most mouthwatering aroma, and we couldn’t wait to dig in! The tender meatballs, the perfectly cooked egg noodles, and that luscious sour cream sauce create a symphony of tastes that’s simply irresistible. It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table, and trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again. Perfect for cozy nights in or even a family gathering!

Ingredients for Swedish Meatball Casserole

You’ll need some simple yet essential ingredients to create this cozy dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (I usually use plain ones for a neutral flavor)
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped (this adds a lovely sweetness)
• 1 egg (for binding everything together)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better!)
• 1 cup beef broth (for that rich, savory flavor)
• 1 cup sour cream (the star of the creamy sauce)
• 2 cups egg noodles, uncooked (these soak up all the goodness)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (for a deliciously cheesy topping)

How to Prepare Swedish Meatball Casserole

Getting this Swedish Meatball Casserole ready is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal that warms your heart. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix it all together until it’s well combined.

Next, form the mixture into meatballs—about an inch in size is perfect—and place them in a greased baking dish. In another bowl, whisk together the beef broth and sour cream until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture over the meatballs, ensuring they’re all coated. Then, sprinkle the uncooked egg noodles on top of everything, and finish by generously sprinkling grated parmesan cheese over the casserole.

Now, pop it in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the meatballs are cooked through and the noodles are tender, soaking up all that creamy goodness!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
3. Form the mixture into meatballs and place them in a greased baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth and sour cream until smooth.
5. Pour the broth mixture over the meatballs, coating them evenly.
6. Sprinkle uncooked egg noodles on top, then add parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 45 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and noodles are tender.

FAQ about Swedish Meatball Casserole

Got questions about this delicious Swedish Meatball Casserole? No worries, I’ve got you covered! This dish is not only comforting but also super flexible, making it perfect for all kinds of meal planning.

Can I make Swedish Meatball Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, it might take a few extra minutes in the oven, but it’ll be just as scrumptious!

What can I serve with Swedish Meatball Casserole?

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or some steamed vegetables to balance out the richness. You could also serve it with crusty bread to soak up all that creamy sauce—yum!

Can I substitute any ingredients?

Definitely! If you need a gluten-free option, just swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version. And if you’re dairy-free, consider using a plant-based sour cream alternative—still delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: This casserole is like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy nights.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps, you can whip this up without any fuss, making it a weeknight winner!
• Filling and Hearty: It’s packed with meatballs and pasta, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
• Versatile Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep!

Tips for Success with Swedish Meatball Casserole

To make your Swedish Meatball Casserole truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip the resting time for the meatballs after mixing—they’ll hold together better while cooking. If you can, let the meat mixture chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before forming the meatballs; it helps with the texture.

While baking, keep an eye on the casserole; if the top starts browning too quickly, simply cover it with foil for the last few minutes. And when serving, I love to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness—it’s a small touch that makes a big difference! Lastly, make sure to let it rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This way, the casserole sets a bit, making it easier to serve. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Nutritional Information for Swedish Meatball Casserole

This Swedish Meatball Casserole is not only satisfying but also packs a decent nutritional punch! Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, with 25 grams of fat and 20 grams of protein. You’ll also get about 36 grams of carbohydrates, making it a filling option for any meal. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes. Enjoy your delicious and hearty dish!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your leftover Swedish Meatball Casserole is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about three days—perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick meal! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for a couple of minutes, or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Just keep an eye on it to prevent drying out. Enjoy that comforting goodness all over again!

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