Swedish Meatball Casserole

Introduction:
This Swedish Meatball Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish that combines juicy meatballs, tender egg noodles, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping. The meatballs are browned and then baked with a flavorful sauce, creating a hearty and delicious meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• For the Meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp allspice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
• For the Sauce:
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish
• For the Casserole:
  • 12 oz egg noodles, cooked and drained

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   • Mix the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and allspice in a large bowl.
   • Form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, but don’t cook them all the way through as they will finish in the oven. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
   • Melt the butter in the same skillet. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
   • Slowly add the beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce.
   • Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Spread the cooked egg noodles evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Place the browned meatballs on top of the noodles.
   • Pour the creamy sauce over the meatballs and noodles, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
4. Bake:
   • Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
   • Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to let the meatballs brown a bit more on top.
5. Serve:
   • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot!

Enjoy this comforting, creamy Swedish Meatball Casserole for a delicious and satisfying meal!