Easy Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe Your Family Will Love

Comfort meets creativity in this mouthwatering Swedish meatball pasta bake that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Tender beef morsels nestle between perfectly cooked pasta layers, creating a symphony of rich flavors.

Creamy sauce weaves through each bite, delivering a warmth that feels like a culinary hug.

Nordic-inspired ingredients dance together, transforming a classic dish into something extraordinary.

Melted cheese creates a golden crust that crackles with every forkful.

A perfect blend of tradition and innovation awaits you in this single-pan marvel.

One taste, and you’ll understand why this recipe becomes an instant family favorite.

Comforting Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

• Craft Quick Comfort: Whip up a hearty, satisfying meal that combines classic Swedish meatballs with creamy pasta in one delicious baking dish.
• Boost Family Dinner Appeal: Kids and adults will love the cheesy, meaty pasta bake that brings together familiar flavors in an exciting new format.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Easily create a restaurant-worthy dish with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that don't require advanced culinary skills.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using the same skillet for cooking meatballs and preparing the sauce, then transferring everything to a single baking dish.

Ingredients for Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful base for the meatballs that provides a hearty texture.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra moisture and depth to the meatball mixture.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps hold the meatballs together and creates a tender consistency.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to keep the meatballs compact.

• Grated Onion, Garlic: Provides a deep, savory flavor to the meatball mixture.
• Allspice, Nutmeg: Adds warm, distinctive Swedish-style seasoning to the meat.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall taste of the meatballs.

• Butter: Creates a rich base for the creamy sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Beef Broth, Cream: Builds a luxurious and flavorful sauce for the pasta bake.

• Pasta: The foundation of the dish that absorbs the delicious sauce.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds a melty, golden topping to the bake.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

How to Prepare Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pasta

Crank up your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook pasta according to package directions until it reaches perfect al dente texture.

Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Craft Flavorful Meatballs

Mix together the ground meats in a large mixing bowl.

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Grated onion
• Minced garlic
• Allspice
• Nutmeg
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently combine ingredients and roll into bite-sized meatballs.

Step 3: Brown Meatballs

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook meatballs until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior on all sides.

Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a silky roux.

Gradually pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly.

Let the sauce simmer and thicken until it coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Assemble the Bake

Combine cooked pasta, browned meatballs, and creamy sauce in a baking dish.

Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges become irresistibly bubbly.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Tips to Improve Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

• Gently mix meat ingredients and avoid overworking the mixture to keep meatballs tender and juicy.
• Toast spices like allspice and nutmeg briefly in a dry pan before adding to meat mixture for richer, more complex taste.
• Whisk roux continuously and add liquids gradually to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, creamy consistency.
• Use room temperature cheese for more even melting and sprinkle in layers for better coverage across the pasta bake.
• Prepare meatballs and sauce a day in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve for deeper flavor development.

Exciting Variations for Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

• Gluten-Free Meatball Pasta: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free pasta and ensure beef broth is gluten-free certified.
• Vegetarian Meatball Swap: Substitute ground meats with plant-based alternatives like lentil, mushroom, or soy protein crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Version: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles. Use cauliflower roux and reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for topping.

Serving Ideas for Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

• Cozy Family Feast: Perfect for a comforting weekend dinner that brings everyone together around the table.
• Nordic Inspired Plating: Serve on wide, rustic plates with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of lingonberry jam for authentic Swedish flair.
• Hearty Companion Sides: Pair with a crisp cucumber salad, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a light green salad to balance the rich, creamy pasta bake.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp Swedish beer for a complete Scandinavian dining experience.

Storage Advice for Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer pasta bake to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover dish with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese top.

FAQs

• Are Swedish meatballs different from regular meatballs?

Swedish meatballs use a unique blend of ground beef and pork, with distinctive spices like allspice and nutmeg, giving them a more complex and slightly sweet flavor compared to traditional meatballs.

• Why do Swedish meatballs use both beef and pork?

Combining beef and pork creates a richer, more tender texture and provides a more balanced flavor profile that is characteristic of authentic Swedish meatball recipes.

• Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking, which can help enhance their flavor and make meal preparation easier.

Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Swedish meatball pasta bake combines classic Scandinavian comfort with creamy pasta goodness. Rich flavors meld together, inviting you to savor this comforting Nordic-inspired dish that promises warmth and satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork

Meatball Seasonings and Binders:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 pound penne or rigatoni pasta
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375F (190C) and prepare pasta according to package directions until al dente.
2. Combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Gently roll mixture into compact, uniform meatballs.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown meatballs on all sides until golden and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Transfer meatballs to a plate.
4. Using the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a smooth roux. Gradually pour beef broth and heavy cream, continuously stirring until sauce transforms into a velvety, thickened consistency.
5. Layer cooked pasta evenly in a baking dish, arrange browned meatballs across the surface, and generously pour creamy sauce over the entire dish.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, creating a complete coverage.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges turn golden brown.
8. Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

• Adjust meatball size for even cooking, ensuring each bite is tender and perfectly browned.
• Grate onion instead of chopping to create a smoother, more integrated meatball mixture that holds together better.
• Use a mix of ground beef and pork for richer flavor and juicier texture compared to single-meat meatballs.
• Experiment with gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg