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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Shape the meat mixture into compact 1-inch spherical meatballs, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
- 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.
- Remove meatballs and reserve, keeping them warm while preparing the sauce.
- Using the same skillet, create a roux by melting butter and incorporating flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk beef broth into the roux, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer and creating a smooth base.
- Introduce heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper, allowing the sauce to thicken for 5-7 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F, preparing a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Combine cooked egg noodles, browned meatballs, and creamy sauce in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution.
- Transfer the mixed pasta and meatball mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the top of the dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly crust.
- 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