Baked Noodles with Swedish Meatballs

**Baked Noodles with Swedish Meatballs: A Comforting and Hearty Dish**

If you’re craving a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful, look no further than **Baked Noodles with Swedish Meatballs**. This hearty meal combines tender, flavorful Swedish meatballs with rich, creamy sauce and perfectly baked noodles. It’s a fusion of classic comfort food and Scandinavian charm that’s sure to satisfy your hunger and warm your soul.

In this article, we’ll dive into the steps to create this delectable dish, and share why it’s a wonderful choice for everything from a family dinner to a special gathering.

### What is Baked Noodles with Swedish Meatballs?

**Baked Noodles with Swedish Meatballs** is a casserole-style dish that features three key components:

1. **Swedish Meatballs**: Small, seasoned meatballs made from a blend of ground beef and pork (or just beef) that are seasoned with spices like allspice, nutmeg, and white pepper. These meatballs are traditionally simmered in a creamy sauce made from beef or vegetable broth and heavy cream, giving them their signature richness.

2. **Noodles**: Egg noodles or any kind of pasta are used in this dish, providing the perfect base to absorb all the delicious sauce and flavors of the meatballs.

3. **Baked together**: Once the meatballs and noodles are prepared, they’re combined and baked, allowing the flavors to meld and develop into a beautifully cohesive dish.

This dish brings together classic Swedish flavors in an easy-to-make, oven-baked casserole that the whole family will enjoy.

### Ingredients

For the **Swedish Meatballs**:
– 1 pound ground beef (or half beef, half pork for a traditional flavor)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably from white bread)
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon allspice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)

For the **Creamy Sauce**:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce (for added umami flavor)
– Salt and pepper to taste

For the **Baked Noodles**:
– 8 ounces egg noodles (or any pasta you prefer)
– 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)

### Directions

#### Step 1: Make the Swedish Meatballs

1. **Prepare the meatball mixture**: In a large bowl, combine the **ground beef**, **finely chopped onion**, **breadcrumbs**, **milk**, **egg**, **allspice**, **salt**, and **white pepper**. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

2. **Form the meatballs**: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

3. **Cook the meatballs**: In a large skillet, heat **butter** over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

#### Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. **Make the roux**: In the same skillet you used for the meatballs, melt **butter** over medium heat. Once melted, add the **flour** and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.

2. **Add the broth and cream**: Gradually add the **broth**, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Then pour in the **heavy cream** and continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickens slightly, about 4-5 minutes.

3. **Season the sauce**: Stir in **soy sauce**, and season the sauce with **salt** and **pepper** to taste. If you like a little extra richness, you can add a splash more cream or a bit more butter.

#### Step 3: Cook the Noodles

1. **Cook the noodles**: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the **egg noodles** and cook according to package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

#### Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. **Combine meatballs and sauce**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked **meatballs** with the creamy sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce.

2. **Add the noodles**: Add the drained **egg noodles** to the meatball and sauce mixture. Stir gently to combine, making sure the noodles are well coated in the sauce.

3. **Transfer to a baking dish**: Pour the noodle and meatball mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.

4. **Top with cheese (optional)**: For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle **shredded cheese** (cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination) over the top of the casserole.

#### Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. **Preheat the oven**: Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**.

2. **Bake**: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about **20-25 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

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