Creamy Meatball and Egg Noodle Casserole is the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction. It’s a hearty, oven-baked meal that combines tender meatballs, soft egg noodles, and a rich, savory gravy—all nestled together in a single dish. The casserole is finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, adding brightness to the deep, comforting flavors. It’s the perfect blend of textures: juicy meatballs, silky noodles, and velvety sauce, all baked until bubbling and golden.
This dish is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in. It’s easy to prepare in advance, feeds a crowd, and reheats beautifully. The meatballs are seasoned and browned for flavor, the noodles are cooked just until tender, and the gravy is made from scratch with broth, cream, and a touch of seasoning. Once assembled, the casserole is baked until the flavors meld and the top is lightly crisped.
Whether served with a side of crusty bread, a green salad, or simply on its own, this casserole delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. It’s a dish that feels familiar yet special, and it’s designed to be adaptable—perfect for customizing with your favorite herbs, vegetables, or cheese.
🧂 INGREDIENTS
This recipe yields one large casserole, enough for 6–8 generous servings.
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and lamb)
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon oil (for browning)
For the Noodles:
12 oz egg noodles
Salt for boiling water
For the Gravy Sauce:
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
½ cup grated cheese (optional, for topping)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
🔥 INSTRUCTION
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a creamy, savory casserole with perfectly cooked meatballs and noodles.
1. Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and oregano.
Mix gently until just combined. Do not overwork the meat.
Shape into 1-inch meatballs and place on a tray.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Brown meatballs in batches, turning to cook evenly. They don’t need to be fully cooked—just browned.
Transfer to a plate and set aside.
2. Cook the Egg Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add egg noodles and cook until just tender (about 6–7 minutes).
Drain and rinse lightly with warm water to prevent sticking.
Set aside.
3. Make the Gravy Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Slowly add beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Add cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened and smooth.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked noodles and half of the gravy sauce.
Spread noodle mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Nestle browned meatballs evenly across the noodles.
Pour remaining gravy over the top, ensuring meatballs are coated.
Sprinkle with grated cheese if using.
5. Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbling and lightly golden.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Serve hot with a side of bread, salad, or steamed vegetables.
🍴 SERVINGS
This recipe yields 6–8 generous servings. For smaller portions, it can be divided into 10 servings. It’s ideal for family meals, leftovers, or meal prep. The casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
📝 NOTE
Here are some helpful tips, variations, and serving suggestions to make your Creamy Meatball and Egg Noodle Casserole even more delightful:
Meatball Tips:
For extra flavor, use a mix of beef and pork or lamb.
Add grated Parmesan or a splash of milk for softer meatballs.
Bake meatballs instead of pan-frying for a lighter version.
Sauce Variations:
Use mushroom broth or vegetable broth for a different flavor.
Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the sauce.
Stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard or horseradish for a tangy kick.
Noodle Alternatives:
Substitute with rotini, penne, or fusilli for a twist.
Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Try mashed potatoes or rice as a base instead of noodles.
Make-Ahead Tips:
Prepare meatballs and sauce a day ahead and refrigerate.
Assemble casserole and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before baking.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve in individual ramekins for a plated look.
Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary for aroma.
Pair with a crisp green salad and vinaigrette.
Dietary Adaptations:
For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and cream alternatives.
For gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles and flour.
For vegetarian, use meatless meatballs and vegetable broth.
Texture Adjustments:
For a crisp top, broil for 2–3 minutes after baking.
For a saucier dish, increase broth and cream slightly.
For a thicker casserole, reduce sauce or add more noodles.
🧡 FINAL THOUGHTS
Creamy Meatball and Egg Noodle Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of comfort, flavor, and togetherness. With its tender meatballs, silky noodles, and rich gravy, it offers satisfaction in every bite. Whether served at a festive table or enjoyed quietly with family, it brings warmth and joy.
The process of making this casserole is as rewarding as the result. From shaping the meatballs to layering the noodles and sauce, each step invites care and creativity. The final dish, bubbling and fragrant, is a testament to the beauty of home cooking.
