Baked Noodles with Swedish Meatballs

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Swedish Meatballs**:
– **Mix the Ingredients**: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat mixture.

– **Form the Meatballs**: Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.

– **Brown the Meatballs**: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re browned on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this point since they will finish cooking in the oven. Once browned, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

#### 2. **Cook the Noodles**:
– While you’re preparing the meatballs, cook the egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions, until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.

#### 3. **Make the Creamy Sauce**:
– In the same skillet you used for the meatballs, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux (this will help thicken the sauce).

– Gradually pour in the heavy cream and milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, and continue to cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.

– Remove from heat and stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, allowing them to melt into the sauce.

#### 4. **Assemble the Casserole**:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

– In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles and creamy sauce. Toss to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce.

– Gently fold in the meatballs, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Transfer everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

#### 5. **Bake the Casserole**:
– Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

#### 6. **Garnish and Serve**:
– Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

– Serve hot with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the dish.

### Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– **Rich and Flavorful**: The Swedish meatballs bring a depth of flavor to the casserole, thanks to the blend of ground beef and pork, along with the warming spices like allspice and nutmeg. Paired with the creamy, cheesy sauce, every bite is a comfort food lover’s dream.

– **Easy to Make**: Although this dish might seem fancy, it’s actually quite simple to prepare. Most of the time is spent assembling the ingredients and letting the oven do the work for you. It’s an ideal dish for a busy weeknight or when you need a meal that’ll impress guests.

– **Perfect for Leftovers**: The flavors only get better the next day! This dish makes great leftovers, and it reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep.

– **Crowd-Pleasing**: If you’re feeding a group, this dish is a sure winner. With its combination of tender meatballs, cheesy noodles, and creamy sauce, it’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults alike.

### Final Thoughts

Baked Noodles with Swedish Meatballs is a heartwarming and comforting meal that brings together the best of two classic dishes. The rich, savory meatballs paired with creamy, cheesy noodles make for a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or bringing it to a gathering, this dish is sure to disappear quickly—just like all the best comfort food does. Enjoy!