Are you ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering dish that combines the classic comfort of Swedish meatballs with irresistible cheesy goodness? This Cheesy Swedish Meatball Bake is about to become your new obsession! Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs swimming in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with a golden, bubbling cheese crust that will have your family fighting for seconds. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply craving a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug, this recipe is your ticket to culinary bliss!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Swedish
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the meatball dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of milk, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix the ingredients together until well combined, but be careful not to overmix.
- Once the mixture is well combined, shape it into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 24 meatballs.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a little oil and cook the meatballs in batches, turning them occasionally until they are browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, pour in 2 cups of cream of mushroom soup, stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporate any browned bits from the meatballs. Allow the soup to heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
- In a greased baking dish, arrange the browned meatballs in a single layer. Pour the heated cream of mushroom soup evenly over the meatballs.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the meatballs and soup mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve the Cheesy Swedish Meatball Bake warm, ideally with mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad on the side.
Tips
- Meat Mixing Magic: When combining the meatball ingredients, use a light touch. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.
- Size Matters: Keep your meatballs uniform in size (about 1 inch in diameter) to ensure even cooking. Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon for consistent sizing.
- Browning is Flavor: Take time to properly brown the meatballs before baking. This step builds depth of flavor and creates a delicious exterior.
- Cheese Selection: While the recipe calls for shredded cheese, try experimenting with a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan for extra complexity.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the meatballs and assemble the dish ahead of time, refrigerating until you're ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Garnish Game: Fresh parsley isn't just for looks – it adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the dish.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or a crisp green salad to complete the meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg
