Meatball Casserole
Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe with Egg, Carrots, Potatoes, and Cream
Introduction
Meatball casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. The combination of juicy meatballs, creamy sauce, and melted cheese makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.
History
The origins of meatball casserole are not clear, but meatballs have been a staple in many cuisines for centuries. The idea of combining meatballs with a creamy sauce and baking them in a casserole dish likely originated in home kitchens as a way to create a satisfying and easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Mix the first seven ingredients.
- Roll into one-inch balls and brown them.
- Place the browned balls in a greased 9x13 pan.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan, then add the flour and milk.
- Once the flour has dissolved into the milk, add the can of soup.
- Pour the mixture over the meatballs and bake uncovered at 325°F (163°C) for 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top after removing from the oven.
Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger for a lighter version of the dish.
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meatball mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different taste.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to brown the meatballs before baking them in the casserole dish to add flavor and texture.
- Grate the carrots and potatoes finely to ensure they cook through in the casserole.
- Adjust the seasoning of the meatballs to your taste by adding herbs or spices like garlic powder or paprika.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatball casserole with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Browning the meatballs before baking them in the casserole dish helps to seal in the juices and add a crispy texture to the dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers or oats as a substitute. You can also use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of the dish.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and assemble the casserole just before baking. Store the unbaked casserole in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Presentation Ideas
Sprinkle chopped parsley or fresh herbs on top of the casserole before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair the meatball casserole with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 350 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 20g per serving
Fats
Total Fat: 15g per serving
Saturated Fat: 7g per serving
Proteins
Protein: 25g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
Iron: 15% of daily value per serving
Vitamin A: 20% of daily value per serving
Alergens
Contains: Dairy, Wheat
Summary
This meatball casserole is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of iron and vitamin A.
Summary
Meatball casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. With juicy meatballs, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe for Meatball Casserole. It was many years ago, during a visit to my dear friend Maria's house. Maria was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to trying out new recipes she had up her sleeve.
That day, as I stepped into her cozy kitchen, the aroma of simmering tomatoes and garlic wafted through the air. Maria greeted me with a warm smile and a knowing twinkle in her eye. "I have a special recipe to share with you today," she said, as she handed me a worn-out recipe card with faded handwriting.
As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. The combination of tender meatballs, savory tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese sounded like a match made in culinary heaven. I knew I had to make this dish for my family.
Maria patiently guided me through the process of making the meatballs from scratch, using a mix of ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a secret blend of herbs and spices. As I rolled the mixture into perfect round balls, I could already imagine the savory flavors melding together in the casserole dish.
Next came the tomato sauce, a rich and flavorful concoction of crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a splash of red wine for good measure. Maria taught me the importance of letting the sauce simmer slowly on the stove, allowing the flavors to develop and deepen into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
Finally, it was time to assemble the casserole. I layered the meatballs in a baking dish, spooned the tomato sauce over them, and topped it all off with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. As the casserole baked in the oven, the tantalizing aroma filled my kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.
When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the bubbling casserole out of the oven and marveled at the golden cheese that melted into a gooey blanket over the meatballs. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.
As I took my first bite of the Meatball Casserole, I was transported to a place of pure culinary bliss. The tender meatballs practically melted in my mouth, while the savory tomato sauce added a burst of tangy flavor that complemented the richness of the cheese perfectly. It was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds and left me craving more.
From that day on, Meatball Casserole became a staple in my family's meal rotation. I would make it for special occasions, lazy Sunday dinners, or simply when I wanted to treat my loved ones to a comforting and delicious meal. Each time I cooked it, I would think back to that day in Maria's kitchen and the joy of discovering a new recipe that would become a cherished favorite.
Over the years, I have added my own twists and tweaks to the recipe, making it my own while still honoring the tradition and flavors that Maria had passed down to me. I have shared it with friends, family, and even strangers who have become friends after tasting its delectable goodness.
As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day when I first learned to make Meatball Casserole, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary journey that has brought me so much joy and fulfillment. Cooking has always been a way for me to express love and creativity, and this recipe holds a special place in my heart as a reminder of the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting memories. And so, I will continue to cook and share this dish with others, passing on the tradition and the love that goes into every bite.
Categories
| Cheese Recipes | Mushroom Recipes | Potato Recipes | Swedish Meat Dishes | Swedish Recipes |