Swedish Meatball Casserole

INGREDIENTS:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

For the Casserole:

• 12 ounces egg noodles
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and allspice. Mix until well combined.
   • Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Noodles:
   • Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
   • In the same skillet used for the meatballs, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until lightly browned.
   • Gradually whisk in the beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles and meatballs. Pour the sauce over the noodle and meatball mixture, stirring gently to combine.
   • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
5. Bake the Casserole:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is slightly golden.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
   • Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, flavorful Swedish Meatball Casserole with your favorite side dishes.