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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F, preparing a robust culinary adventure with Swedish-inspired flavors.
- 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.
- Sear meatballs in a skillet over medium heat, rotating until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, approximately 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a separate plate.
- Boil pasta until perfectly al dente, following package guidelines. Drain and reserve.
- 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.
- Fold sour cream into the sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the rich flavor profile.
- Assemble the dish by combining pasta and meatballs in a baking dish. Generously coat with the creamy sauce, ensuring even distribution.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the top. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust.
- 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