The Coziest Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe Ever Made

Nordic comfort meets creamy pasta in this delectable swedish meatball pasta bake that promises pure culinary bliss.

Tender, juicy meatballs nestle perfectly among al dente pasta shells, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Rich, velvety sauce coats every inch of this hearty dish, bringing warmth to your dinner table.

Each bite delivers a symphony of traditional Swedish spices and comforting textures.

The recipe combines classic Scandinavian ingredients with a modern twist that will delight your taste buds.

Packed with savory goodness, this pasta bake transforms an everyday meal into an extraordinary dining experience.

Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake: Savory Highlights

• Embrace Comfort Food Bliss: This Swedish meatball pasta bake delivers ultimate comfort with its rich, creamy sauce and hearty meatballs that warm your soul on any day.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: One-pan preparation means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, making it a perfect solution for busy families craving a delicious home-cooked meal.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love the familiar flavors of tender meatballs, cheesy goodness, and creamy sauce that come together in this irresistible dish.
• No-Fuss Gourmet Experience: With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, home cooks can create a restaurant-worthy meal that looks and tastes impressive without complicated techniques.

Pasta Bake Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful meat that forms the core of the classic Swedish meatballs.
• Egg: Helps bind the meatball mixture together and provides structure.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk: Create a tender and moist texture for the meatballs.

• Onion, Allspice, Nutmeg, Salt, Pepper: Add warm, aromatic flavors that are signature to traditional Swedish meatball seasoning.

• Pasta: Serves as the hearty base for this comforting baked dish.

• Butter, Flour: Create a smooth roux as the foundation of the creamy sauce.
• Beef Broth, Cream: Provide rich and luxurious liquid base for the sauce.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and smooth texture to the sauce.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts to create a golden, crispy layer on top of the casserole.

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

Steps To Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Perfection

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Turn on your oven and set it to 375°F.

This will ensure the perfect temperature for baking your mouthwatering dish.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Meatballs

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Milk
• Finely chopped onion
• Allspice
• Nutmeg
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend everything thoroughly and shape into small, bite-sized meatballs that are roughly one inch wide.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a skillet over medium flame and cook the meatballs until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior and are fully cooked through.

This should take about 8-10 minutes.

Transfer the meatballs to a separate plate.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Boil the pasta following the package instructions.

Once cooked, drain and set aside.

Step 5: Craft the Creamy Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a smooth roux.

Cook for 1-2 minutes, then gradually pour in beef broth and cream.

Let the sauce simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Enhance the Sauce

Stir in sour cream and season with salt and pepper to your taste preferences.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

Mix the cooked pasta and meatballs in a baking dish.

Pour the luscious sauce over the top, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the dish and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes wonderfully bubbly.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Tips For Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Night

• Use cold ingredients and handle the meat gently to keep meatballs tender and prevent them from becoming tough or dense.
• Whisk the cream sauce continuously while adding broth to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, consistent texture.
• Choose a high-quality melting cheese like Swedish Västerbotten or sharp cheddar for maximum flavor and golden-brown top.
• Cook pasta just shy of al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy or overcooked noodles.
• Prepare meatballs and sauce a day ahead, store separately in the refrigerator, and assemble just before baking for enhanced flavor development.

Mix-Ins For Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

• Vegetarian Meatball Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentil mixture, using similar spices for traditional flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, use gluten-free pasta and ensure broth is certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, maintain creamy sauce and meatball seasoning for rich taste experience.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of regular cream, swap cheese with nutritional yeast, and replace butter with olive oil for allergen-friendly adaptation.

Plating Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

• Cozy Comfort Dinner: Perfect for chilly evenings when you want a hearty, satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Scandinavian Family Feast: Gather around the table and enjoy this traditional Swedish-inspired dish that brings loved ones together with its rich, creamy flavors.
• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Impress friends during movie marathons or board game nights with this crowd-pleasing pasta bake that's easy to share and deliciously filling.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare this dish in advance and store in the refrigerator, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights when cooking time is limited.

Storing Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled pasta bake to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Are Swedish meatballs different from regular meatballs?

Swedish meatballs have unique spices like allspice and nutmeg, giving them a distinct warm, aromatic flavor compared to traditional meatballs.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative, but it might slightly change the traditional taste and texture of Swedish meatballs.

• How do I prevent meatballs from becoming tough?

Mix ingredients gently, avoid overworking the meat, and cook them at medium heat to keep meatballs tender and juicy.

• What makes the sauce creamy and rich?

The combination of beef broth, heavy cream, and sour cream creates a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats the pasta and meatballs perfectly.

Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty Swedish meatball pasta bake promises a comforting culinary journey through Scandinavian flavors. Creamy sauce, tender meatballs, and perfectly cooked pasta blend into a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 0.5 pounds ground beef
• 0.5 pounds ground pork
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground allspice
• 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 small onion

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 12 ounces pasta
• 0.25 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1.5 cups shredded cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F, preparing a robust culinary adventure with Swedish-inspired flavors.
2. Craft meatballs by blending ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely diced onion, aromatic allspice, warm nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Gently shape into uniform, bite-sized spheres.
3. Sear meatballs in a skillet over medium heat, rotating until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, approximately 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a separate plate.
4. Boil pasta until perfectly al dente, following package guidelines. Drain and reserve.
5. In the same skillet, create a silky roux by melting butter and whisking in flour. Allow to develop a light golden color for 1-2 minutes, then gradually incorporate beef broth and cream. Simmer until sauce thickens and reaches a luxurious consistency.
6. Fold sour cream into the sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the rich flavor profile.
7. Assemble the dish by combining pasta and meatballs in a baking dish. Generously coat with the creamy sauce, ensuring even distribution.
8. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the top. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust.
9. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Make meatballs compact and uniform to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Browning meatballs before baking develops rich, deep flavor and creates a delicious caramelized exterior.
• Consider using lean ground beef or mixing beef with ground turkey for a healthier protein option that maintains great taste.
• Adjust sauce consistency by adding more broth if too thick or simmering longer to reduce and thicken as needed.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 630 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg