Dump and Bake Meatball Stroganoff Recipe

Dump and Bake Meatball Stroganoff Recipe

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was originally created to serve 8, and quantities scale automatically, but cooking steps remain the same. Note: not all recipes scale perfectly.

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed and softened
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (12-ounce) bag wide egg noodles
  • 1 (12-14-ounce) bag frozen cooked beef meatballs
  • 1 1/3 cup French-fried onions
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425F (220C) and gather all ingredients.
  2. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, whisk together the sour cream and cream cheese until smooth.
  3. Gradually whisk in the beef broth until fully incorporated.
  4. Add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to combine.
  5. Stir in the sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and minced garlic until evenly distributed.
  6. Fold in the egg noodles and meatballs, pressing gently with the back of a spoon so the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
  7. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  8. Remove from the oven and stir the mixture, pressing noodles down again. Undercooked noodles at this point are fine they will finish cooking while standing.
  9. Sprinkle the French-fried onions evenly over the top, then bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, until the topping turns golden and the casserole is heated through.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a bright finish.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 968
  • Fat: 54g (69% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 19g (95% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 243mg (81% DV)
  • Sodium: 2386mg (104% DV)
  • Carbohydrates: 70g (26% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 11g (39% DV)
  • Sugars: 23g
  • Protein: 55g (110% DV)
  • Vitamin C: 44mg (49% DV)
  • Calcium: 421mg (32% DV)
  • Iron: 12mg (67% DV)
  • Potassium: 2025mg (43% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrient information may vary depending on ingredient brands and preparation. Consult a healthcare professional if following a medically restrictive diet.

Dump and Bake Meatball Stroganoff Recipe

The Story Behind Meatball Stroganoff

Meatball Stroganoff is a comforting dish that traces its roots to the rich culinary traditions of Eastern Europe, particularly Russia. The original Beef Stroganoff emerged in the 19th century, featuring tender strips of beef in a creamy sauce with onions and mushrooms. Over time, home cooks and global adaptations transformed this classic into numerous variations, including the convenient dump and bake style, which combines ease of preparation with hearty flavors. This modern twist reflects both the influence of American casserole culture and the desire for quick, satisfying meals.

Regional Variations

While the traditional Russian Stroganoff uses sauted beef and a simple cream-based sauce, American versions often incorporate meatballs, noodles, and additional ingredients like French-fried onions for texture. In the United States, the casserole format became particularly popular in the Midwest, where one-dish meals are celebrated for family dinners. Scandinavian countries have their own meatball-based casseroles, often with a sweeter cream sauce, demonstrating how regional tastes influence the evolution of this dish.

Distinguishing Features

Dump and Bake Meatball Stroganoff stands apart from other pasta casseroles by combining the rich, tangy flavor of a sour cream and cream cheese sauce with fully cooked meatballs and wide egg noodles, baked together until golden. Unlike traditional Stroganoff, which is stovetop-cooked and served immediately, this version allows for easy meal prep and even flavors throughout. Compared to similar casseroles, the crispy topping of French-fried onions adds a distinctive crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.

Where It's Typically Served

This casserole is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings where comfort food is appreciated. Its all-in-one format makes it perfect for serving larger groups, and the combination of creamy sauce, tender meatballs, and golden onion topping appeals to a broad range of palates. In some regions, it is also popular as a weeknight dinner when time and convenience are priorities.

Interesting Facts

  • Meatball Stroganoff is part of a larger trend in American cuisine where classic European dishes are adapted into one-dish casseroles for simplicity.
  • The dump and bake method reduces preparation time significantly, making it accessible for beginner cooks.
  • French-fried onions, often used as a topping, were popularized in the mid-20th century and are now a hallmark of many American casseroles.
  • This dish cleverly balances textures: soft noodles, tender meatballs, creamy sauce, and a crunchy topping.
  • Although inspired by Russian cuisine, this casserole has become a uniquely American comfort food, demonstrating the versatility and creativity of home cooks.

FAQ about Dump and Bake Meatball Stroganoff Recipe

Yes, you can use fresh meatballs. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the dish. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Yes, you can substitute the wide egg noodles with other pasta such as penne or fusilli. Just make sure the pasta is able to absorb the sauce during the baking process.

If your noodles aren't cooking evenly, try pressing them down into the liquid with a spoon to ensure they're submerged. You can also pre-cook the noodles partially before adding them to the casserole to ensure even cooking.

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Cook on low for about 4-6 hours, adding the French-fried onions towards the end to prevent them from becoming soggy.

This recipe is not gluten-free as it contains egg noodles. However, you can use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.

You can substitute cream cheese with a different soft cheese like ricotta or mascarpone for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Yes, you can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time so they are tender.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat in the oven or microwave.

Yes, you can freeze this dish. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until heated through.

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Assemble it and refrigerate, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to increase the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.

Comments

Amy White

09/26/2023 05:07:03 PM

The taste was fantastic and the preparation was a breeze. The only downside was achieving a uniform texture for the noodles, as I struggled to fully immerse them in the liquid. This resulted in some noodles being undercooked while others turned out mushy.

Melissa Anderson

11/29/2022 02:23:23 AM

This recipe sounds delicious and simple! Although I haven't tried it yet, after reading the feedback, I believe I would pre-cook the noodles before adding them to the casserole. Cooking them to be very al dente would ensure they don't become mushy when baked. What do you think?

Larry Smith

01/01/2024 05:35:18 AM

Some reviewers have noted issues with noodles cooking unevenly. To avoid this problem, it's recommended to blanch the pasta before incorporating it into the dish. Blanching ensures that the gravy stays smooth and doesn't become starchy. Simply cook the pasta in well-salted boiling water until it's partially cooked, rather than fully al dente. Then, cool it quickly in an ice bath to halt the cooking process.

Mary Lee

12/20/2023 12:54:54 PM

Why not simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl before transferring them to the pan? This method ensures thorough mixing for a more evenly blended result.

Brenda Young

10/06/2024 06:48:15 PM

2386 mg of sodium in just one serving! And if you add a teaspoon of salt (1600 mg), you've got the perfect recipe for harming someone with congestive heart failure or high blood pressure. It's almost like the perfect crime.

Laura Smith

10/03/2023 05:19:31 PM

I made some changes to the recipe by incorporating additional sour cream for extra creaminess, opting for ground sirloin instead of meatballs, and including a variety of mushrooms. I also decided to enhance the flavor with a bit more Worcestershire sauce, adding 3 tablespoons in total.

Donna Davis

01/19/2025 07:50:29 AM

Could we please refrain from using the term "Dump" for recipes? It's quite off-putting. We are all aware of the negative connotations associated with the word "Dump," and it does not evoke appetizing thoughts of food.

Catherine Diaz

09/28/2022 02:13:19 PM

Although I have not tried this specific recipe, I have prepared hamburger stroganoff countless times. In my opinion, this recipe would be better classified as a Swedish Meatball recipe.

Nicole Garcia

01/18/2023 05:51:51 PM

Could this recipe be used in a slow cooker? I believe it can, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Thank you.

Anthony Diaz

11/07/2023 12:17:07 AM

Super easy and quick to make! The taste is amazing, and it's sure to become a family go-to recipe!