Name: Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 1 lb beef meatballs (store bought frozen or homemade); 3 cups low sodium beef broth; ¾ cup half and half or heavy cream; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon dried thyme; ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper; 3 cups extra broad egg noodles (about 140 grams); 1-2 tablespoons corn starch (optional, for thickening)

If you’re craving a comforting, creamy dish that comes together in just one pan, you’re going to adore this Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Skillet Recipe. I absolutely love how tender the meatballs get, soaking up that luscious sauce while the broad egg noodles cook right in the same skillet—trust me, it doesn’t get easier or more delicious than this. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a chilly weekend, this recipe is your new go-to for a satisfying, cozy meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks together in a single skillet.
Rich & Creamy Sauce: The combination of half-and-half and Worcestershire sauce gives the sauce a deep, velvety flavor that’s irresistible.
Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy nights, it’s on your table in just about 30 minutes.
Family Favorite: My loved ones can never get enough, and I bet yours will feel the same.

A white plate holds a serving of wide, curly egg noodles mixed with round meatballs covered in a creamy light brown sauce. The noodles are soft and slightly twisted, with flecks of green herbs sprinkled on top. The meatballs are light brown, smooth, and sit evenly spaced among the noodles. Bright green parsley leaves are scattered across the dish, adding color contrast. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a bunch of fresh parsley blurred in the background, a blue and white striped cloth partially visible at the bottom left, and a small glass bowl with chopped herbs near the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Skillet, Swedish meatball skillet, creamy meatball dish, one-pan Swedish meatballs, comfort food recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a classic Swedish comfort meal with a creamy twist. When I first tried this, I was surprised how simple pantry staples could transform into something so elegant and satisfying. Here’s what you’ll want to grab from the store.

Flat lay of fresh whole uncooked beef meatballs, a small white bowl of rich low sodium beef broth, a small white bowl of creamy half and half, a small white bowl with dark Worcestershire sauce, two cloves of garlic with skins intact, a small pile of dried parsley flakes, a small pile of coarse salt, a small pile of dried thyme, a small pile of freshly cracked black pepper, a neat bundle of extra broad egg noodles, a small white bowl of white corn starch powder, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Skillet, Swedish meatball skillet, creamy meatball dish, one-pan Swedish meatballs, comfort food recipes

Beef meatballs: Using store-bought frozen saves time, but homemade ones add a personal touch.
Low sodium beef broth: Adds rich flavor without overpowering, and controlling salt helps balance the dish.
Half and half or heavy cream: Creaminess is the heart of this sauce—heavy cream yields an extra luxurious texture.
Worcestershire sauce: I discovered this boosts savory depth and adds a subtle tanginess you’ll love.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic provides an aromatic warmth everyone notices.
Dried parsley: Brings a mild herbaceous note to brighten things up just right.
Salt: Season thoughtfully to make every flavor pop.
Dried thyme: A little goes a long way for earthy, floral undertones.
Fresh cracked black pepper: Just the right kick and spice.
Extra broad egg noodles: These wide noodles hold the sauce beautifully—don’t substitute for thinner pastas if you want the same comforting texture.
Corn starch (optional): I use this to thicken the sauce when I want it extra rich and clingy.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own sometimes—swapping ingredients or adding extras based on what I have on hand or what my family’s mood is. It’s really adaptable, so don’t hesitate to tweak it!

Swap the Meatballs: I’ve used turkey or chicken meatballs with great results for a lighter version.
Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms stirred in add earthiness and an extra layer of flavor.
Use Dairy-Free Cream: When friends with dietary restrictions visit, coconut or cashew cream work surprisingly well.
Spice It Up: A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne gives this classic a little kick when I’m feeling adventurous.

How to Make Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Combine Everything Except Noodles

Start by piling your meatballs, beef broth, half and half (or heavy cream), Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, parsley, salt, thyme, and freshly cracked black pepper into a large deep skillet. I love using a deep skillet because it gives everything plenty of space to cook evenly without splattering. Bring this mixture up to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. You want to see small bubbles coming up around the edges—not a rolling boil.

Step 2: Add the Egg Noodles and Let Them Simmer

Once your broth and cream mixture is simmering, add in the extra broad egg noodles and stir everything together. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. This gentle simmer allows the noodles to cook right in the sauce without drying out. Stir occasionally—about every few minutes—to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. It usually takes about 10 minutes for the noodles to become perfectly al dente. Don’t overcook here; you want them tender but still with a bit of bite.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce (Optional but Recommended!)

If you like your sauce super creamy and a bit thicker (I do!), mix equal parts corn starch and cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir this into the skillet and continue to cook while stirring vigorously. This technique prevents lumps and gives you a rich consistency that clings deliciously to every noodle and meatball. Taste at this point and adjust salt or pepper as needed.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Skillet Recipe

Use Quality Meatballs: Homemade adds flavor, but store-bought frozen meatballs are a huge time saver and still taste fantastic.
Don’t Rush the Simmer: Letting everything slowly cook together lets the flavors meld perfectly, so be patient.
Stir Occasionally: Prevent the noodles from sticking and getting mushy by gentle stirring every few minutes.
Adjust Thickness: Remember, if the sauce isn’t thick enough at the end, the corn starch slurry is your best friend.

How to Serve Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Skillet Recipe

A white plate holds a dish with two main layers: six smooth, round beige meatballs evenly spread around the plate and a bed of soft, folded yellow egg noodles underneath and among the meatballs. The noodles have a slightly glossy texture and appear coated in light gravy. Both meatballs and noodles are lightly sprinkled with finely chopped green parsley, adding a fresh touch of color. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a small bunch of parsley in the top left corner and a blue-striped towel in the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Skillet, Swedish meatball skillet, creamy meatball dish, one-pan Swedish meatballs, comfort food recipes

Garnishes

I always sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley on top—it adds a pop of color and a fresh, earthy brightness that cuts through the creaminess. Sometimes a grating of fresh nutmeg over the sauce enhances that authentic Swedish vibe. For an extra touch, a little cracked black pepper or even a handful of crispy fried onions on top make this dish look and taste stunning.

Side Dishes

I like pairing this skillet meal with a simple crisp green salad to balance the richness and some steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts. Bread on the side is optional because the noodles soak up the sauce so well, but it’s always a welcome addition if you want to make it a feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I sometimes serve the meatballs and noodles in individual bowls with a drizzle of extra sauce and a swirl of sour cream on top. If you’re hosting, set up a “build-your-own” garnishing station with crunchy onions, fresh herbs, and lemon wedges—it’s super fun and makes everyone feel like a chef!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When my family can’t finish the skillet in one go (rare, but it happens!), I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. The noodles soak up more sauce overnight, so the reheated dish feels even more flavorful.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish before, though the noodles sometimes get a bit softer after thawing. If you plan to freeze it, I recommend slightly undercooking the noodles before freezing, and then reheating gently to avoid mushiness. Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheating is easiest on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce. Microwave works too, but stirring halfway through helps keep the texture even. Keep the heat low to avoid breaking down the noodles or drying out the sauce.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs from scratch for the Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Skillet Recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade meatballs add a personalized touch and let you control seasoning and texture. You can use a simple mix of ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasoning. Just brown them before adding to the skillet to develop flavor.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

If Worcestershire sauce isn’t on hand, soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a tiny splash of vinegar can mimic its tangy, savory depth. Just use less salt overall since soy sauce is salty.
Can I use other types of noodles in this recipe?

You can, but extra broad egg noodles work best because they hold the sauce and cook evenly in the skillet. Thinner noodles might overcook or get mushy. If you use other kinds, adjust cooking times carefully.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the egg noodles with gluten-free wide noodles or even rice noodles, and ensure your meatballs and broth are gluten-free. Corn starch is naturally gluten-free, so thickening won’t be an issue.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Swedish Meatball Noodle Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple to make, utterly comforting, and satisfying every time. I remember the first time I made it, my whole family went crazy over those tender meatballs swimming in the creamy, savory sauce with perfectly cooked noodles. It’s become a staple in our home, especially when I want a fuss-free but impressive meal. I hope you’ll love making and eating this as much as I do—it’s a guaranteed winner for your dinner rotation!