Creamy Baked Meatball Noodle Casserole (like the image)

🧆🍝 Creamy Baked Meatball Noodle Casserole (like the image)

🛒 Ingredients (4–6 servings)

For the meatballs

• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef (or beef + pork)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried parsley or Italian herbs
• 2 tbsp oil (for frying)

For the casserole

• 300 g (10 oz) egg noodles or pasta ribbons
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: ½ tsp garlic powder
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Make the meatballs

1. In a bowl, mix ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs.
2. Shape into small meatballs.
3. Fry in a pan with oil until browned on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked). Set aside.

2️⃣ Cook the noodles

• Boil noodles in salted water until al dente.
• Drain and set aside.

3️⃣ Prepare the creamy sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually add milk and broth, whisking until smooth.
4. Cook until thickened.
5. Add cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using).

4️⃣ Assemble

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Place noodles in a greased baking dish.
3. Add meatballs evenly on top.
4. Pour creamy sauce over everything.

5️⃣ Bake

• Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
• Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

💡 Tips & Variations

• Add mushrooms or caramelized onions to the sauce for extra flavor
• Use cream instead of milk for a richer dish
• Works great with turkey or chicken meatballs too
• Perfect make-ahead freezer meal 🧊