Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty – The combination of tender meatballs, creamy sauce, and noodles makes for a satisfying and comforting meal.
- Easy to Make – This casserole comes together quickly and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering.
- Full of Flavor – The meatballs are packed with flavor, and the creamy sauce ties everything together beautifully.
- Great for Leftovers – This dish is perfect for meal prep or leftovers, and it tastes just as good the next day.
- Refreshing Side – The cucumber, red onion, and tomato salad adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the casserole.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 large red onion, thinly sliced
4 large tomatoes, cut into wedges
½ cup (120ml) apple cider vinegar
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Make the Salad: Start by preparing the refreshing cucumber, red onion, and tomato salad. Combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and tomato wedges in a bowl. Drizzle the apple cider vinegar over the top, and gently toss to coat. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the casserole.
- Prepare the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook the Swedish meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through. Set them aside.
- Cook the Noodles: Cook your choice of pasta (egg noodles are a great option) according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Bake: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meatballs, and your favorite creamy sauce (such as a Swedish-inspired gravy or béchamel sauce). Mix until everything is well coated.
- Bake: Transfer the pasta, meatballs, and sauce mixture into a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve with the cucumber, onion, and tomato salad on the side.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
- Prep time: 10 minutes (for salad and preparation)
- Cook time: 45 minutes (for the casserole)
- Total time: 55 minutes
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover casserole and salad in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat the casserole, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat the casserole in the microwave in individual portions.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs to save time. Just follow the package instructions to cook them before adding them to the casserole.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and cook as directed.
Is the salad optional?
While the salad adds a nice refreshing element to balance the richness of the casserole, it’s totally optional. You can serve the casserole on its own or with another side dish of your choice.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and make sure the sauce is gluten-free to accommodate dietary preferences.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is not spicy, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce if you want to introduce some heat.
What type of cheese can I add to the casserole?
You can top the casserole with shredded cheese, like cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère, for an extra cheesy touch.
What can I serve with this casserole besides salad?
You can serve the casserole with roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or even a light soup to make a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender meatballs, creamy pasta, and flavorful sauce all baked into one comforting casserole. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a meal to feed a crowd, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Pair it with a refreshing cucumber, red onion, and tomato salad for the perfect balance of flavors, and enjoy a meal that everyone will love!

Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make casserole that combines tender meatballs, creamy sauce, and pasta all baked together. A perfect meal for busy weeknights, this dish is rich in flavor and easy to customize. Pair it with a refreshing cucumber, onion, and tomato salad to balance the rich, savory flavors. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish everyone will love!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 large tomatoes, cut into wedges
- ½ cup (120ml) apple cider vinegar
-
For the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake:
- 1 lb Swedish meatballs (frozen or homemade)
- 1 lb pasta (egg noodles recommended)
- 2 cups creamy sauce (such as Swedish-inspired gravy or béchamel)
Instructions
-
Make the Salad:
- Combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and tomato wedges in a bowl. Drizzle with apple cider vinegar, toss gently, and set aside to marinate.
-
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large skillet, cook the Swedish meatballs according to package instructions or until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
-
Assemble the Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meatballs, and creamy sauce. Mix until everything is well-coated.
-
Bake:
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
-
Serve:
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Pair with the cucumber, red onion, and tomato salad for a fresh and delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American