Irresistible Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort food reaches new heights with this Swedish meatball pasta bake that blends traditional Scandinavian flavors into a hearty dish.

Creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned morsels of meat promise a delightful culinary adventure.

Tender pasta nestles between juicy meatballs, creating layers of rich, satisfying texture.

Herbs and spices dance across each bite, transporting you to a cozy kitchen in stockholm.

Melted cheese blankets the entire casserole, adding a golden, irresistible crust that beckons you closer.

Weeknight dinners never looked so elegant or tasted so incredible.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this mouthwatering creation.

What Makes Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake So Delicious

• Craft Comforting Classics: Transform traditional Swedish meatballs into a hearty pasta bake that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping noodles, trying different cheeses, or adding extra seasonings to match your family's taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners that need a delicious and satisfying meal everyone will love.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Combine simple ingredients to create a rich, creamy dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients For Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful base for the Swedish meatballs.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra moisture and depth to the meatball texture.
• Diced Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic base for the meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg, Milk: Help bind the meatballs together and create a tender texture.
• Allspice, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Blend of classic spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the meatballs.

• Butter: Used for cooking meatballs and creating a smooth, rich sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a creamy consistency.
• Beef Broth, Heavy Cream, Worcestershire Sauce: Key components that build a luxurious and flavorful sauce.
• Egg Noodles: The perfect pasta base for this comforting dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a creamy, melty topping to the pasta bake.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that brings a touch of freshness to the dish.

Directions To Prepare Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

Step 1: Craft Savory Meatball Mixture

• Allspice
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix ingredients thoroughly until well blended.

Step 2: Shape Perfect Morsels

Roll the meat mixture into bite-sized meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.

Step 3: Brown Delectable Meatballs

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place meatballs in the pan, cooking in batches.

Rotate meatballs to ensure even browning on all sides. Remove and set aside once golden.

Step 4: Develop Creamy Sauce Base

Using the same skillet, melt additional butter. Sprinkle flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a golden roux.

Step 5: Create Luxurious Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Pepper

Allow sauce to simmer and thicken for 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare Pasta Foundation

Cook egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente.

Step 7: Combine Delicious Components

• Cooked egg noodles
• Browned meatballs
• Creamy sauce

Step 8: Assemble Comforting Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the top.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden and bubbly.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Serve hot directly from the baking dish for a heartwarming meal.

Tips For Perfect Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

• Keep meat mixture cold while forming meatballs to prevent them from falling apart during cooking.
• Use a mix of ground beef and pork for authentic Swedish meatball flavor and juiciness.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg alongside allspice for enhanced traditional Scandinavian taste.
• Allow sauce to simmer slowly to develop rich, creamy consistency without burning.
• Grate fresh mozzarella for better melting and more even cheese coverage on the pasta bake.

Variation Ideas For Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

• Vegetarian Meatball Variation: Replace ground beef and pork with plant-based alternatives like lentil, mushroom, or soy protein crumbles mixed with similar seasonings for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs, almond flour for binding, and replace wheat pasta with rice or chickpea noodles to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap egg noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, and use full-fat cream and extra cheese to maintain richness while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Remix: Incorporate feta cheese, add dried oregano, use ground lamb instead of beef, and mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions For Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

• Comfort Food Family Night: Serve this hearty Swedish meatball pasta bake as a comforting weekend dinner that brings everyone together around the table. Kids and adults will love the creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to neighborhood gatherings or potluck events. It travels well and can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.
• Meal Prep Champion: Divide the pasta bake into individual portions for easy weekday lunches. The dish reheats beautifully and provides a satisfying meal that breaks up the monotony of typical work lunch options.
• Nordic Dinner Experience: Create a themed Scandinavian dinner night by pairing the pasta bake with lingonberry jam, pickled vegetables, and a crisp cucumber salad for an authentic Swedish-inspired meal.

Best Practices For Storing Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the pasta bake in a sealed container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Avoid leaving the dish at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
• Seal the container with a tight-fitting lid or wrap it securely with plastic wrap to preserve freshness.

FAQs

• Why use both ground beef and ground pork?

The combination provides a richer, more complex flavor and helps create a juicier, more tender meatball texture than using just one type of meat.

• Can I substitute the egg noodles?

Yes, you can use other pasta like penne or rotini. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing with the meatballs and sauce.

• Is allspice really necessary for Swedish meatballs?

Allspice is traditional in Swedish meatball recipes and adds a unique warm, slightly sweet flavor that distinguishes these meatballs from other styles. If you don’t have it, you can use a small pinch of nutmeg as a substitute.

Creamy Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Swedish meatball pasta bake combines traditional Scandinavian flavors with comforting pasta layers. Creamy sauce and tender meatballs create a satisfying meal that will transport you to Sweden’s warm kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 0.5 pound (227 grams) ground pork

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper
• 1 small onion, finely diced

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 0.25 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta Bake Components:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) egg noodles, cooked
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Combine ground beef, ground pork, diced onion, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, allspice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, blending thoroughly to create a uniform meatball mixture.
2. Shape the meat mixture into compact 1-inch spherical meatballs, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat (around 325°F), carefully browning meatballs in batches, rotating to achieve golden-brown exterior on all sides.
4. Remove meatballs and reserve, keeping them warm while preparing the sauce.
5. Using the same skillet, create a roux by melting butter and incorporating flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
6. Gradually whisk beef broth into the roux, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer and creating a smooth base.
7. Introduce heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper, allowing the sauce to thicken for 5-7 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 375°F, preparing a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
9. Combine cooked egg noodles, browned meatballs, and creamy sauce in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution.
10. Transfer the mixed pasta and meatball mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
11. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the top of the dish.
12. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly crust.
13. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef and pork for a lighter version of the meatballs, reducing overall fat content while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Mix breadcrumbs with ground oats for a gluten-free alternative that keeps the meatballs moist and tender.
• Let meatballs rest for a few minutes after browning to help them retain their shape and prevent falling apart during baking.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lower-calorie sauce that still provides creamy richness.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 647 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 44 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg