Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Skillet Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that comes together in one pan and tastes like it’s straight from a Swedish grandma’s kitchen, you’re going to adore this Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Skillet Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of tender beef meatballs, wide, pillowy egg noodles, and a luscious cream sauce that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend dinner, this recipe is hands-down a fan-freaking-tastic way to satisfy those comfort food cravings.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Skillet Recipe plays a special role, coming together to create that irresistible flavor. I love using broad egg noodles because they hold the sauce perfectly, and if you pick good quality meatballs, the whole dish shines.

• Beef meatballs: Store-bought frozen works great for convenience, but homemade adds a lovely personal touch and extra flavor.
• Low sodium beef broth: Using low sodium lets you control the saltiness in your sauce more easily.
• Half and half or heavy cream: Half and half gives you creaminess without too much richness; heavy cream makes it extra indulgent.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle tangy depth that gives the sauce its distinctive savory kick.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
• Dried parsley: A hint of herbaceous freshness to balance the richness.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning – taste as you go!
• Dried thyme: Offers an earthy, slightly minty note that complements the beef.
• Fresh cracked black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and brightness.
• Extra broad egg noodles: These wide noodles soak up the sauce beautifully – about 140 grams or 3 cups works perfectly.
• Corn starch (optional): Great for thickening the sauce if you like it a bit more velvety.

Variations

I absolutely love how versatile this Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Skillet Recipe is. You can easily tweak it based on what you have in your pantry or dietary preferences—trust me, a little customization makes it even more enjoyable!

• Ground Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: I’ve swapped beef for turkey when I wanted a lighter version, and it still delivered all the comforting flavors.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of half and half for a creamy yet dairy-free experience.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas to sneak in some greens.
• Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne gives the sauce an unexpected but delicious kick.

How to Make Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Combine Your Base Ingredients

Grab a large deep skillet and toss in the meatballs, beef broth, half and half (or heavy cream), Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, thyme, and fresh cracked black pepper. This is where all the magic starts—the broth and cream create the luscious sauce while the spices infuse incredible aroma. I like to stir this gently so the meatballs are nestled just right, avoiding any sticking to the pan.

Step 2: Bring to a Simmer

Turn your burner to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You’ll notice the sauce starting to bubble lightly—this is when flavors really begin to marry. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t boil too hard, which can toughen the meatballs or cause the cream to separate.

Step 3: Add the Noodles and Cook

Once simmering, add the broad egg noodles. Give everything a good stir to make sure the noodles are all coated in that creamy sauce. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together or to the bottom. You’ll want the noodles just al dente—the perfect tender-but-firm bite.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir together equal parts corn starch and cold water to create a slurry. Slowly drizzle this into your skillet while stirring vigorously. You’ll see the sauce start to cling beautifully to the noodles and meatballs. I usually add 1 tablespoon corn starch mixed with 1 tablespoon water and adjust based on how thick I want it.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Before plating, taste your creamy Swedish meatball noodle skillet and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Sometimes a little extra Worcestershire sauce or black pepper punch does wonders. Then dig in and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!

How to Serve Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I add a little cracked black pepper on top or even a light dusting of smoked paprika to enhance the warmth of flavors. These small touches really make the dish pop visually and taste-wise.

Side Dishes

Since this skillet is pretty much a complete meal on its own, I like to serve it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the creaminess. Pickled cucumbers or lingonberry jam on the side add a delightful Swedish twist that’s been a hit with my family every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this creamy Swedish meatball noodle skillet in individual mini skillets or cast iron pans right at the table – it feels rustic and charming. Another favorite is topping it with a fried egg or crispy fried onions for a fun texture contrast that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so before reheating, I add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it back up. It reheats beautifully on the stove with a little gentle stirring.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but I recommend freezing the meatballs separately from the noodles if you can because noodles tend to get a bit mushy after freezing and thawing. When reheating from frozen, defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop with a bit of extra liquid.

Reheating

I find reheating on the stove over medium-low heat works best to preserve the creamy texture. Adding a splash of broth or cream while reheating helps bring back that fresh-from-the-pan taste. Avoid the microwave if possible, but if you do use it, heat in short bursts and stir well.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Skillet Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate every single time. The balance of tender meatballs, rich sauce, and comforting noodles hits every craving just right. Plus, the simplicity – just one pan and you’re done! So go ahead, try it out, and watch as it quickly becomes a staple in your home kitchen. You’ll thank me later when your family is asking for seconds!

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