Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a hearty, savory dish that combines the richness of Swedish meatballs with the comfort of baked noodles. This recipe is originally from Swedish cooking and has become one of the most popular meals throughout the world, known for its delicious flavor and simplicity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
8 ounces egg noodles
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour all-purpose
1 ½ cups beef broth
½ cup heavy cream
Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-step Cooking Instructions
Preheat oven at 375°F (190°C) and grease baking dish.
Combine in large bowl beef mince, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder salt and black pepper together. Mix well then shape into small balls as desired.
Preheat a skillet over medium heat and brown meatballs on all sides for 8-10 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Meanwhile, cook egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Then, drain and set aside.
For the sauce, melt butter in the same pan used for cooking meatballs over medium heat. Add flour into it, whisking well until golden brown within 1-2 minutes.
Then gradually blend beef broth together with heavy cream into the saucepan; stir this mixture constantly until it thickens – about 5 minutes.
Layer cooked noodles and meatballs in prepared baking dish and pour sauce over top ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
The sauce will be bubbly after baking so take out of oven when golden brown on top (20-25 minutes).
Garnish with some chopped parsley before serving.
Tips for Success
To make more flavorful meatball mix pick up salt as well as pepper generously in it.
The color is not important; if you want your food to have attractive look cook them till they are burned outside only.
You can either reduce or increase flour quantity to control the thickness of the sauce depending on your preference.
Serve suggestions
Sprinkle fresh green herbs such as parsley or dill on top of Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake for extra flavors. It can be accompanied by a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables as side dishes which would create a perfect balance for a complete meal.
Variations and Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, meatballs can be replaced with plant-based alternatives or tofu. Those who cannot tolerate gluten should substitute the noodles with ones that are free from this substance and thicken the sauce using corn flour.
Health Benefits
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake has a good mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats in it. It’s a dish that makes you feel good inside and out when eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: May I use frozen meatballs for this meal? A: Yes, you can use frozen meatballs to save time, but homemade ones will give more flavor.
Q: Is it possible to prepare this meal in advance?? A: Make the dish one day before baking it.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of egg noodles? A: Any other pasta shape is used apart from egg noodles like spaghetti or penne.
Conclusion
Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is an amalgamation of comfort foods; it combines homemade meatballs, creamy sauce, and tender noodles into one heavenly concoction. Ideal for intimate gatherings or special family meals.