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Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe Easy Cozy Dinner with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Swedish meatball casserole - featured image

A cozy and easy-to-make Swedish meatball casserole baked with a rich creamy sauce and topped with buttery mashed potatoes. Perfect for comforting family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
  • 1/4 cup whole milk (or dairy-free milk)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 2 cups beef broth (homemade or low-sodium)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of garlic powder or fresh chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, finely chopped onion, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet or plate.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil or butter. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning gently to get a golden crust all around, about 5 minutes total. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until light golden. Gradually whisk in beef broth and cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until thickened.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place browned meatballs in casserole dish and pour creamy sauce evenly over them.
  6. Boil peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to pot. Add warmed milk and butter, then mash until creamy but still a little rustic. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over meatballs and sauce. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until top is lightly golden and bubbling.
  8. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley.

Notes

Do not overmix meat to keep meatballs tender. Brown meatballs in batches to avoid steaming. Warm milk before mashing potatoes for creamier texture. If sauce is too thick before baking, stir in a splash of broth to loosen. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Swedish meatballs, casserole, creamy mashed potatoes, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, cozy dinner