Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe

Cozy Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe: Homestyle Comfort Magic

Crafting a delectable swedish meatball pasta brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Tender, seasoned morsels nestle among ribbons of perfectly cooked noodles.

Nordic flavors dance across your palate with each carefully prepared bite.

Creamy sauce envelops each ingredient, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Rich beef and pork combine to form succulent meatballs that melt in your mouth.

Fragrant herbs and spices whisper stories of traditional scandinavian cuisine.

We bet you’ll fall in love with this hearty, soul-warming dish that promises to become a new family favorite.

Flavor Variations For Swedish Meatball Pasta

  • Vegetarian Meatball Delight: Replace ground beef and pork with plant-based alternatives like lentils, mushrooms, or Beyond Meat crumbles for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour, and use gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
  • Spicy Nordic Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture for a fiery Scandinavian-inspired variation.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the classic Swedish meatball flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions For Swedish Meatball Pasta

  • Cozy Family Dinner Night: Gather loved ones around the table, sharing hearty Swedish meatball pasta with warm conversation and laughter.
  • Scandinavian-Style Plating: Serve in wide, shallow bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dollop of extra sour cream for elegant presentation.
  • Game Night Comfort Food: Pair with cold beer or lingonberry juice, perfect for casual gatherings with friends while watching movies or playing board games.
  • Winter Warming Meal: Create a comforting winter feast by adding a side of roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts to complement the rich, creamy pasta.

Storage Tips For Swedish Meatball Pasta

  • Store leftover Swedish meatball pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef stock or water to prevent sticking. Stir gently to redistribute sauce and heat evenly, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

  • What makes Swedish meatballs different from other meatballs?

Swedish meatballs use a unique blend of ground beef and pork, with distinctive spices like allspice and nutmeg that give them a warm, slightly sweet flavor profile compared to traditional Italian or American meatball recipes.

  • Can I use breadcrumbs instead of Panko?

Yes, you can substitute Panko with regular breadcrumbs, though Panko will provide a lighter, crispier texture to the meatballs. If using regular breadcrumbs, use the same measurement in the recipe.

  • Is it necessary to use both ground beef and ground pork?

Using a combination of ground beef and pork creates a more complex flavor and juicier texture. The pork adds richness and moisture that beef alone might not provide, which is traditional in authentic Swedish meatball recipes.

Swedish Meatball Pasta Classic Dish

  • Craft Comfort Classics: Dive into a hearty Swedish meatball pasta that transforms traditional flavors into a delightful, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
  • Master Homemade Techniques: Learn to create restaurant-quality meatballs from scratch with simple ingredients, developing impressive cooking skills without complex methods.
  • Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spices or using different meat combinations, making it flexible for various taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single-skillet cooking approach that brings together rich, creamy sauce and tender meatballs in minimal steps.

Ingredients For Swedish Meatball Pasta

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef, Ground Pork: A flavorful combination of meats that creates the classic texture of Swedish meatballs.
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Panko, Egg Yolks: Panko helps bind the meatballs and creates a light texture, while egg yolks provide richness and help hold the mixture together.
  • Green Onions, Parsley: These fresh herbs add brightness and depth to the meatball flavor.
  • Allspice, Nutmeg: Traditional Swedish spices that give the meatballs their distinctive warm and aromatic taste.
Sauce and Pasta Components:
  • Pasta: The base for this comforting dish that pairs perfectly with the meatballs.
  • Olive Oil: Used for browning the meatballs and adding a subtle flavor.
  • Butter, Flour: Create a roux that thickens the sauce and provides a rich base.
  • Beef Stock: Adds depth and creates the classic creamy sauce.
  • Sour Cream: Brings a tangy richness to the final dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor profile.

Step-By-Step Swedish Meatball Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water following package directions.

Drain completely and set aside.

Step 2: Create Meatball Mixture

Blend together in a mixing bowl:
  • Ground beef
  • Ground pork
  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Egg yolks
  • Green onions
  • Parsley
  • Allspice
  • Nutmeg
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix ingredients thoroughly using hands or wooden spoon.

Form mixture into round meatballs approximately 1-inch in diameter, creating about 24 meatballs.

Step 3: Brown Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook meatballs in batches, rotating to brown all sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per batch.

Transfer browned meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4: Prepare Creamy Sauce

Melt butter in the same skillet.

Whisk in flour and cook until light golden, about 1 minute.

Slowly incorporate beef stock, whisking continuously until sauce thickens, roughly 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Return meatballs to skillet with sauce.

Stir gently and simmer until heated through.

Add cooked pasta and sour cream, stirring to combine.

Heat an additional 2-3 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Plate the Swedish meatball pasta while hot and enjoy!

Tips For Swedish Meatball Pasta

  • Choose a mix of ground beef and pork with moderate fat content for juicy, flavorful meatballs that hold together perfectly.
  • Gently combine ingredients to prevent tough, dense meatballs; mix just until ingredients are incorporated for tender results.
  • Maintain medium-high heat when browning meatballs to create a golden crust without burning or undercooking the meat.
  • Whisk flour and beef stock slowly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, silky sauce that coats meatballs and pasta evenly.
  • Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top to add brightness and a pop of color to the finished dish.
Print
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Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe

Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe


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4.6 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory Swedish meatballs dance through creamy pasta, bringing Nordic comfort to your dinner table. Hearty flavors blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor a delightful culinary journey through Sweden’s rich gastronomic tradition.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 0.75 pound ground beef
  • 0.75 pound ground pork
  • 2 large egg yolks

Pasta and Breading:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
  • 0.33 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour

Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Kosher salt (to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cups beef stock
  • 0.33 cup sour cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare pasta in a pot of salted water according to package directions; drain thoroughly and set aside.
  2. Create meatball mixture by blending ground beef, ground pork, Panko breadcrumbs, egg yolks, green onions, parsley, allspice, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. Mix ingredients until uniformly combined using hands or wooden spoon.
  3. Form mixture into compact 1-inch spherical meatballs, aiming for approximately 24 uniform pieces.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Sear meatballs in batches, rotating to achieve golden-brown exterior on all surfaces, approximately 2-3 minutes per batch. Transfer cooked meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate.
  5. In the same skillet, melt butter and incorporate flour, whisking until achieving a light golden color, roughly 1 minute.
  6. Slowly introduce beef stock, continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
  7. Return meatballs to skillet, gently stirring to coat with sauce. Warm through for approximately 5 minutes.
  8. Fold in cooked pasta and sour cream, heating for an additional 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Serve immediately while hot and sauce is creamy.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef and pork for a healthier version of the classic Swedish meatball pasta.
  • Mix meats thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasonings and prevent dense meatballs.
  • Use fresh herbs like parsley and green onions for a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile.
  • Allow meatballs to rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil and maintain their crispy exterior.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 579 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 540 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 165 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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