Swedish Meatball Casserole | The Recipe Critic

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Swedish Meatball Casserole is a classic comfort meal the whole family will enjoy! Tender meatballs are layered over perfectly cooked pasta and baked in a rich, creamy gravy. This dinner recipe is easy enough to make during the week but also deliciously impressive for entertaining!

Overhead shot of Swedish meatball casserole. Overhead shot of Swedish meatball casserole.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super flavorful: You will love the warm, cozy flavors of the allspice and nutmeg. They perfectly balance the bold flavors of the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire.
  • Simple to Make: This meatball casserole recipe is a breeze to make, as it uses frozen meatballs. Simply boil the pasta and mix the sauce together, and you’re all set!
  • Kid-Friendly: The combination of simple ingredients like meatballs and noodles in a creamy sauce will make this one of your kid’s favorite meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Swedish meatball casserole recipe only requires a handful of simple ingredients. Plus, many of the ingredients are pantry staples! See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

  • Pasta: I use rotini pasta for this recipe because it holds the delicious sauce so well! However, you can swap this out for any other type of short noodle, like penne or rigatoni.
  • Meatballs: Frozen meatballs make this casserole a breeze to prepare!
  • Butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
  • Flour: Helps to thicken the gravy.
  • Beef Broth: This will add flavor and act as the base for the gravy.
  • Heavy Cream: Gives the gravy a rich, smooth feel and flavor.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Gives the sauce a deep, complex taste.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a bit of tangy flavor.
  • Allspice: Provides depth of flavor contrasting the salty beef broth.  
  • Nutmeg: Gives a warm, cozy flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper: Enhances and brings out all of the flavors.
Overhead shot of labeled ingredients.Overhead shot of labeled ingredients.

How to Make a Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

You’re going to want to make this easy Swedish meatball casserole again and again. The prep time is only about 20 minutes, and then the oven does the rest of the work. Here’s how it all comes together:

  1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, then spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Cook and drain the pasta al dente according to the package directions, then place it in the prepared baking dish.
  3. Add the Meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs on top of the noodles.
  4. Start the Sauce: For the sauce, first melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Then add the flour and whisk to create a paste.
  5. Add Liquid Ingredients: Slowly stir in beef broth and heavy cream.
  6. Simmer Sauce: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, allspice, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer until the sauce starts to thicken.
  7. Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce over the meatballs and noodles.
  8. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the meatballs are warmed through.
  9. Serve: Garnish the Swedish meatball casserole with parsley and enjoy!
Overhead shot of melted butter in the bottom of a pot with flour on top.Overhead shot of melted butter in the bottom of a pot with flour on top.
Overhead shot of someone pouring cream into the gravy mixture. Overhead shot of someone pouring cream into the gravy mixture.
Overhead shot of casserole dish with pasta on the bottom with meatballs spaced out on top. Overhead shot of casserole dish with pasta on the bottom with meatballs spaced out on top.
Overhead shot of someone pouring sauce over pasta and meatballs in a casserole dish. Overhead shot of someone pouring sauce over pasta and meatballs in a casserole dish.

Tips and Variations

With these simple tips and tricks, you can make this Swedish meatball casserole uniquely yours! Whether changing the flavors or adding a personal touch, these ideas will help you create a dish everyone loves.

  • Meatballs: This recipe calls for frozen meatballs, which can be so convenient on a busy weeknight. But if you have time to make your own, try these homemade Swedish meatballs or turkey meatballs.
  • Switch Out the Noodles: You could pair these meatballs with rice or zucchini noodles.
  • Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish your Swedish meatball casserole with fresh parsley to add extra flavor and achieve the perfect presentation!

Close up shot of a wooden spoon with a scoop of Swedish meatball casserole. Close up shot of a wooden spoon with a scoop of Swedish meatball casserole.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Swedish Meatball Casserole

This casserole makes great leftovers. You can whip up a batch at the beginning of the week, which will give you quick, reheatable lunches or dinners on busy nights. Here are instructions on how to make your meal last!

  • In the Refrigerator: Leftovers will last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container.
  • To Reheat: Reheat leftovers in the microwave until warmed through. When reheating in the oven, place in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • In the Freezer: When covered, your unbaked casserole can be stored in the freezer for up to one or two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. It’s that simple! This Swedish meatball casserole is perfect for meal prepping or having on hand for those hectic nights when you need a quick and delicious meal.

Overhead shot of a pile of plated Swedish meatball casserole. Overhead shot of a pile of plated Swedish meatball casserole.

More Delicious Casserole Recipes

Casseroles are the best comfort food! Not only are they simple to make, but they taste so good! Check out our complete list of casserole recipes, and here are some of our favorites that I know you’ll love!

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  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

  • Cook and drain the pasta Al Dente according to the package directions, then place in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

  • Place the frozen meatballs on top of the noodles.

  • For the sauce, melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the flour and whisk to create a paste.

  • Slowly stir in beef broth and heavy cream.

  • Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, allspice, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer until the sauce starts to thicken.

  • Pour the sauce over the meatballs and noodles.

  • Bake for 25 minutes or until the meatballs are warmed through.

  • Garnish the casserole with parsley, and enjoy!

Calories: 722kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 29gFat: 49gSaturated Fat: 24gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 153mgSodium: 486mgPotassium: 570mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 828IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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