Baked Noodles with Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Introduction:
If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting dish that brings together the richness of meatballs with the creaminess of baked noodles, this Baked Noodles with Swedish Meatballs recipe is perfect. This dish offers a balance of flavors, combining savory meatballs with creamy pasta for an irresistible combination. It’s an excellent choice for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week. Plus, it’s super easy to make and can be prepared in under an hour!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Before getting into the steps, gather the following ingredients to make your baked noodles and meatballs dish shine:

• For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

• For the Creamy Noodle Bake:

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rigatoni work best)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

• Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork), breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, diced onion, minced garlic, and parsley.
• Season with salt and pepper to your taste, and mix everything together thoroughly using your hands. Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Once mixed, form small meatballs, around 1-1.5 inches in diameter, and set them aside on a tray.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are browned. The goal here is to give them a nice crust, but they don’t need to be fully cooked since they’ll finish cooking in the oven.

2. Cook the Noodles:

• While the meatballs are browning, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven.
• Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce:

• In the same skillet that you browned the meatballs, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux.
• Gradually add the beef broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Once the broth is fully incorporated, slowly add the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and nutmeg.
• Continue to stir until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. For a richer flavor, stir in the grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese until melted and well-blended.

4. Combine and Bake:

• In a large baking dish, combine the cooked noodles with the creamy sauce, ensuring the pasta is fully coated.
• Arrange the browned meatballs on top of the noodles, slightly pressing them into the sauce.
• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the meatballs are fully cooked through.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

• Once the baked noodles and meatballs are out of the oven, let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a burst of freshness.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Tips for the Best Baked Noodles with Meatballs:

• Use High-Quality Meat: For the juiciest and most flavorful meatballs, opt for ground beef with a bit of fat content, or mix beef and pork together.
• Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: Undercook your pasta slightly before baking to prevent it from becoming mushy in the oven. The noodles will continue to absorb moisture from the sauce during the baking process.
• Customize Your Sauce: Add mushrooms, spinach, or peas to the sauce for added texture and nutrients. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little extra flour to the roux.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 780mg

Perfect Occasions to Make Baked Noodles with Meatballs:

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be made for many occasions:

• Weeknight Dinner: It’s easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight meal that doesn’t require hours of kitchen time.
• Family Gatherings: The comforting flavors appeal to kids and adults alike, making it a crowd-pleaser at family events or potlucks.
• Meal Prepping: This dish stores well and can be reheated for a satisfying lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Storage and Reheating Instructions:

• To Store: Once the dish has cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To Freeze: You can also freeze this dish for longer storage. Wrap the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• To Reheat: For individual portions, microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until hot. If reheating the whole dish, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Conclusion:

This Baked Noodles with Swedish Meatballs recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy a filling and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce paired with tender meatballs makes it a comfort food classic. Try this recipe for your next dinner party or cozy family meal, and you’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!