Can I make this casserole with frozen meatballs to save time?

Absolutely! Good quality frozen meatballs work beautifully in this recipe. No need to thaw them first - just brown them in the skillet while still frozen, then proceed with the recipe. You might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Why is my gravy lumpy and how can I fix it?

Lumps typically form when flour is added too quickly to hot butter or if the liquid is added all at once. To fix lumpy gravy, whisk vigorously or blend with an immersion blender. To prevent lumps, whisk the flour into the melted butter to form a smooth paste before gradually adding your broth.

Can I prepare this casserole the night before and bake it the next day?

Yes! Assemble the entire casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

What makes these Swedish meatballs different from Italian meatballs?

Swedish meatballs are typically smaller than Italian meatballs and traditionally include spices like allspice and nutmeg. The most significant difference is the sauce - Swedish meatballs are served with a creamy gravy, while Italian meatballs often come with tomato sauce.

Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe

Name: Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 ½ pounds ground beef; ¾ cup Italian style breadcrumbs; 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; ½ cup finely minced onion; 1 egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ cup butter; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups low-sodium beef broth; ½ cup sour cream; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup heavy cream; 12 ounces wide egg noodles

This Swedish Meatball Casserole transforms the beloved classic into a comforting one-dish meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy. Tender homemade meatballs nestled on a bed of egg noodles, all blanketed in a rich, creamy gravy – it’s the ultimate comfort food that brings Scandinavian flavors straight to your dinner table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food at Its Finest: The combination of savory meatballs, creamy gravy, and tender noodles creates the ultimate cozy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Make-Ahead Magic: This casserole can be prepped ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will devour this dish – those familiar Swedish meatball flavors in an easy-to-serve casserole format is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Complete Meal: With protein, carbs, and a delicious sauce all in one dish, you don’t need to worry about multiple side dishes – just add a simple green salad if you want to round things out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The star protein that creates tender, juicy meatballs. Choose 80/20 for the best flavor and texture.
Italian Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs while adding subtle flavor and keeping them tender.
Egg: Acts as the crucial binder that holds your meatballs together during cooking.
Onion: Adds aromatic flavor to the meatballs – finely mincing ensures good texture.
Garlic: Provides that essential savory note that deepens the meatball flavor.
Dried Parsley: Adds a touch of color and subtle herbaceous flavor to the meatballs.
Butter: The foundation of any good gravy, creating richness and depth of flavor.
Flour: Works with butter to create a roux that thickens your gravy to the perfect consistency.
Beef Broth: Provides savory depth to the gravy – low-sodium allows you to control the salt level.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess that’s characteristic of Swedish meatball sauce.
Heavy Cream: Contributes richness and silky texture to the gravy.
Egg Noodles: The perfect base for soaking up all that delicious gravy. Their texture holds up well in casseroles.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Meat Options

Try mixing ground pork and beef for an authentic Swedish flavor, or substitute ground turkey for a lighter version. Some Swedish meatball purists even add a bit of ground veal to the mix.

Noodle Alternatives

While egg noodles are traditional, this casserole works beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Flavor Boosters

Add 1/4 teaspoon of allspice and a pinch of nutmeg to the meatball mixture for authentic Swedish flavor. A splash of Worcestershire sauce in the gravy adds wonderful depth.

Veggie Add-Ins

Sautéed mushrooms make a fantastic addition to the gravy. You can also add frozen peas just before baking for color and nutrition.

How to Make Swedish Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Cook Noodles

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until just al dente (they’ll cook more in the oven). Drain them well and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, onion, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix just until ingredients are incorporated (overmixing can make tough meatballs). Form into 1½-inch balls – you should get about 20-24 meatballs.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs in batches to avoid crowding, browning on all sides for about 4-5 minutes. They don’t need to be cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and drain excess grease from the skillet.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet (those brown bits are flavor gold!). Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let it simmer until slightly thickened, then stir in sour cream, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes until thickened to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spread the cooked noodles in a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Arrange the browned meatballs evenly over the noodles. Pour the gravy over everything, ensuring all noodles and meatballs are coated. Bake for 20-25 minutes until everything is heated through and bubbling around the edges.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Meat: Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined to keep them tender.
Brown in Batches: Avoid crowding the meatballs in the pan – they should sizzle, not steam.
Taste the Gravy: Always taste and adjust seasonings before pouring over the casserole.
Al Dente Noodles: Cook the noodles slightly less than package directions since they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Traditional Swedish accompaniments like lingonberry jam or quick-pickled cucumbers also provide a wonderful tangy contrast.

Garnish Ideas

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill adds color and freshness. For extra indulgence, a dollop of sour cream on top of each serving is delicious.

Complete the Meal

Round out the meal with some simple steamed vegetables like green beans or Brussels sprouts, or serve with crusty bread for sopping up every bit of that delicious gravy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

This casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the components separately up to a day ahead: cook and refrigerate the noodles, make and brown the meatballs, prepare the gravy, and store separately. Assemble just before baking, adding about 10 minutes to the bake time if ingredients are cold.

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for 2-3 days. The noodles will continue to absorb sauce as they sit, so leftovers may be a bit less saucy.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months in an airtight container. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or warm the entire casserole covered in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of broth or cream if it seems dry.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole with frozen meatballs to save time?

Absolutely! Good quality frozen meatballs work beautifully in this recipe. No need to thaw them first – just brown them in the skillet while still frozen, then proceed with the recipe. You might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Why is my gravy lumpy and how can I fix it?

Lumps typically form when flour is added too quickly to hot butter or if the liquid is added all at once. To fix lumpy gravy, whisk vigorously or blend with an immersion blender. To prevent lumps, whisk the flour into the melted butter to form a smooth paste before gradually adding your broth.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before and bake it the next day?

Yes! Assemble the entire casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
What makes these Swedish meatballs different from Italian meatballs?

Swedish meatballs are typically smaller than Italian meatballs and traditionally include spices like allspice and nutmeg. The most significant difference is the sauce – Swedish meatballs are served with a creamy gravy, while Italian meatballs often come with tomato sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Swedish Meatball Casserole takes all the comfort and flavor of traditional Swedish meatballs and transforms them into an easy, family-friendly dinner. It’s the kind of recipe that makes weeknight cooking a joy rather than a chore. There’s something truly satisfying about pulling a bubbling casserole from the oven and watching everyone’s faces light up at the dinner table. Give this recipe a try – I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!