If you're looking for a cozy, hearty, and mouthwatering meal to impress your family or guests, this Swedish Meatball Casserole recipe will do the trick! Imagine tender, flavorful meatballs nestled in a creamy, rich sauce, baked to perfection with layers of noodles or mashed potatoes. This recipe combines the traditional flavors of Swedish meatballs with the convenience of a casserole for an easy weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish at your next gathering. Keep reading to discover how to make this irresistible dish, plus tips, substitutions, and presentation ideas that will take it to the next level!

What Are Swedish Meatballs?
Swedish meatballs, or “köttbullar” as they're called in Sweden, are small, savory meatballs typically made from a combination of ground beef and pork, seasoned with nutmeg and allspice, and served with a creamy gravy. They are often served with lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes or egg noodles, creating a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors. In this casserole version, we take the traditional Swedish meatballs and transform them into an easy-to-make dish that’s ideal for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients List for Swedish Meatball Casserole
Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients you’ll need for the casserole:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoon butter or oil (for frying)
For the Casserole Base:
- 12 oz egg noodles (or substitute with mashed potatoes)
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lingonberry jam (for serving)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about casseroles is their flexibility, and this Swedish Meatball Casserole is no exception. You can easily make substitutions based on what you have on hand or adjust the recipe to suit dietary preferences.
- Meat Choices: If you prefer leaner meat, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken in place of the beef and pork mixture.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap out the milk and heavy cream for non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream.
- Low-Carb: For a low-carb version, skip the noodles and serve the meatballs over mashed cauliflower or zucchini noodles instead.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs and swap the flour for cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Also, opt for gluten-free pasta or a bed of mashed potatoes.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making a Swedish Meatball Casserole is easy, but the key is to break it down into manageable steps. Below is a detailed guide to help you through the process:
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add butter or oil. Fry the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. They don't have to be cooked through at this point since they will finish cooking in the casserole.
- Cook the Noodles:
- While the meatballs are browning, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Gravy:
- In the same skillet used for the meatballs, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Stir in the heavy cream, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper. Allow the gravy to simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large casserole dish, layer the cooked egg noodles. Arrange the browned meatballs on top of the noodles.
- Pour the creamy gravy evenly over the meatballs and noodles, making sure everything is well-coated.
- Bake:
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once out of the oven, sprinkle the casserole with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color. Serve hot, with a side of lingonberry jam for an authentic Swedish experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Meatball Mixture: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix gently to avoid tough meatballs. Overworking the meat can result in a dense, less tender texture.
- Burning the Meatballs: Be careful not to cook the meatballs on too high a heat, as this can cause them to brown too quickly and burn on the outside while remaining raw inside.
- Skipping the Roux: The roux (butter and flour mixture) is key to creating a smooth, rich gravy. Don’t rush this step or skip it, as it helps thicken the sauce and gives the casserole its creamy consistency.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Be sure to taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. The right balance of salt, pepper, and spices is crucial to bringing out the full flavors of the dish.
Serving and Presentation Tips
The beauty of this Swedish Meatball Casserole is that it’s both comforting and elegant, making it suitable for both casual family dinners and more formal occasions.
How to Serve Swedish Meatball Casserole:
- Classic Pairing: Serve with a spoonful of lingonberry jam on the side. The sweet-tart flavor complements the savory meatballs and creamy gravy beautifully.
- With Veggies: Add a side of roasted root vegetables or sautéed green beans for a complete meal.
- Bread on the Side: Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up any extra gravy.
Presentation Ideas for Swedish Meatball Casserole:
- Individual Portions: If you're hosting a dinner party, consider serving the casserole in individual ramekins. This makes for an elegant presentation and allows guests to have their own perfectly portioned dish.
- Family-Style Serving: For a more casual meal, bring the entire casserole dish to the table and let everyone help themselves. Garnish the casserole with parsley and a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.
- Rustic Look: Serve the casserole in a cast-iron skillet or a rustic ceramic dish for a cozy, homestyle feel.
Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and gravy a day in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply assemble the casserole and pop it in the oven.
- Freezing: This casserole is freezer-friendly. After assembling but before baking, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and freeze. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- Add Cheese: For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use store-bought meatballs?
A: Yes! If you're short on time, you can use frozen or pre-made meatballs. Just be sure to choose meatballs that are lightly seasoned so they don’t overpower the creamy sauce.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can assemble the entire casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Q: What can I use instead of egg noodles?
A: Mashed potatoes are a traditional pairing with Swedish meatballs and work wonderfully in this casserole. Alternatively, you could use rice or gluten-free pasta if needed.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Conclusion
Swedish Meatball Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines the classic flavors of Swedish meatballs with the ease of a baked casserole. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a cozy, homemade meal, this recipe is sure to impress. With step-by-step instructions, substitutions for different diets, and creative serving suggestions, this dish is versatile and perfect for any occasion. Be sure to bookmark this recipe for your next family dinner or gathering—you’ll be glad you did!
PrintSwedish Meatball Casserole Recipe
This Swedish Meatball Casserole recipe features tender meatballs baked in a creamy, flavorful sauce with pasta. It's a comforting, hearty meal that's perfect for weeknights or potlucks. Made with simple ingredients like ground beef, sour cream, and egg noodles, it's an easy-to-follow dish. Try this one-pot meal for a quick, delicious dinner!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: swedish
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Egg noodles
- Onion
- Garlic
- Breadcrumbs
- Sour cream
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Nutmeg
- Allspice
- Salt and pepper
- Flour
- Butter
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven and cook egg noodles according to package instructions.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, onions, garlic, spices, and egg to form meatballs.
- Brown meatballs in a skillet and set aside.
- In the same pan, create a roux with butter and flour, then slowly whisk in beef broth and sour cream to create the sauce.
- Add meatballs and cooked noodles to a baking dish, pour the sauce over, and mix well.
- Bake until bubbly and top with parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- You can use frozen meatballs to save time.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for a more authentic Swedish flavor.
- Serve with a side of lingonberry jam for a traditional Swedish touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
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