Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 lb egg noodles
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Large skillet
- Casserole dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix well.

3. Roll mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

4. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Remove meatballs from skillet and set aside.

6. In the same skillet, whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually stir in beef broth, whisking constantly until mixture is smooth.

7. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

8. Remove skillet from heat and stir in sour cream until well combined.

9. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions and drain.

10. In a large casserole dish, layer cooked egg noodles and meatballs.

11. Pour sour cream sauce over the top of the casserole.

12. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

13. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 650
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 180mg
Sodium: 1200mg
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 36g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef and pork.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Chicken broth can be used instead of beef broth.
- Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream.

Variations:
- Add frozen peas or carrots to the casserole for a pop of color and extra veggies.
- Use Italian seasoning instead of allspice and nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
- Substitute the egg noodles for mashed potatoes for a twist on the classic Swedish meatball dish.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brown the meatballs well before adding them to the casserole dish to ensure they hold their shape and don't fall apart.
- Use a cookie scoop or melon baller to make uniform meatballs.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more beef broth to thin it out.

Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a cute and cozy presentation.

Garnishes:
Fresh parsley, chopped

Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- A glass of red wine pairs well with the rich flavors of the dish.

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Garlic green beans
- Caesar salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatballs are falling apart, try adding more breadcrumbs to the mixture.
- If the sauce is too thin, whisk in a little more flour to thicken it up.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the meatballs to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Store leftovers promptly in the refrigerator.

Food history:
Swedish meatballs are a traditional dish in Sweden, typically served with lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes. They gained popularity in the United States after being featured in the IKEA catalog.

Flavor profiles:
Savory, creamy, and slightly sweet.

Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

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Region: Swedish

Taste: Savory, Rich, Tangy, Umami, Herby, Comforting