Savory Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Comfort food reaches new heights with this hearty Swedish meatball pasta bake that combines classic Scandinavian flavors and creamy textures.

Tender beef and pork meatballs nestle among perfectly cooked pasta, creating a dish that warms you from the inside out.

Rich, velvety sauce blankets each ingredient with deep, savory notes that hint at traditional Nordic cuisine.

The blend of spices and herbs transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Melted cheese adds a golden, bubbling crown to this irresistible casserole.

Every forkful promises a delightful journey through robust, satisfying flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This recipe guarantees a memorable dining experience that celebrates the best of Swedish-inspired comfort cooking.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for the meatballs?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative. Just ensure the meat is well-seasoned and not too dry.

• How fine should I chop the onions for the breadcrumb mixture?

Dice onions finely, almost to a minced consistency. This helps them blend smoothly into the breadcrumb mixture and distributes flavor evenly.

• What's the purpose of chilling the meatballs before cooking?

Chilling helps meatballs hold their shape, prevents them from falling apart during cooking, and allows the flavors to meld together.

Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Highlights

• Transform traditional Swedish meatballs into a hearty, crowd-pleasing pasta bake that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table.
• Prepare components ahead of time, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping with minimal last-minute stress.
• Blend rich, creamy sauce with tender meatballs and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a satisfying meal that pleases both kids and adults.
• Learn professional cooking skills like making roux, browning meatballs, and creating a smooth, luxurious sauce that elevates home cooking.

Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Ingredients

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: A flavorful combination that provides rich and balanced meat base for the meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk, Eggs: These ingredients help hold the meatballs together and keep them tender and moist.

• Onions, Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper, Nutmeg: These seasonings add depth and warmth to the meatball mixture, creating a classic Swedish flavor profile.

• Butter, Flour, Beef Broth, Heavy Cream: These components create a rich, creamy sauce that coats the meatballs and pasta.

• Pasta: The base of the dish that provides structure and helps absorb the delicious sauce.

• Parsley: A fresh herb for garnishing and adding a bright finish to the dish.

Equipment for Meatball Pasta Bake

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining breadcrumbs, meat, and other ingredients.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning meatballs and creating the creamy sauce.
• Baking dish: Needed for assembling and baking the pasta casserole.
• Cutting board: Use for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta after boiling.

Making Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Melt butter in a skillet and gently cook diced onions until soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.

Mix in breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and dried herbs.

Pour in milk and stir until the mixture becomes a cohesive, moist blend.

Step 2: Form Tender Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef with beaten eggs.

Add the cooled breadcrumb mixture.

Use your hands to gently mix ingredients, ensuring even distribution.

Roll the mixture into uniform meatballs, about golf ball size.

Step 3: Chill and Prepare

Place meatballs on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F and position a rack in the middle.

Step 4: Cook Pasta and Brown Meatballs

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.

In a separate skillet, heat oil and carefully brown meatballs on all sides, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 5: Craft Creamy Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to create a roux.

• Beef broth
• Heavy cream
• Worcestershire sauce

Simmer and stir until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 6: Combine and Bake

Transfer pasta to a baking dish.

Nestle browned meatballs among the pasta.

Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the top.

Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Pasta Bake Cooking Tips

• Sauté onions in butter until golden brown for deeper, richer taste in the breadcrumb mixture.
• Add a splash of milk or cream to the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender and juicy during baking.
• Refrigerating meatballs helps them hold their form and prevents falling apart while cooking.
• Whisk continuously when making the roux to avoid lumps and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Prepare the entire dish a day ahead and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together for an even more delicious meal.

Swedish Meatball Variations

• Vegetarian Meatball Option: Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or lentil and mushroom mixture, keeping all other seasonings identical.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers, swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta, and ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, and maintain traditional Swedish meatball spices and sauce.
• Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate feta cheese into meatball mixture, add oregano and fresh parsley, use olive oil instead of butter, and include sundried tomato pieces for extra flavor complexity.

Serving Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

• Comfort Food Feast: Pair this Swedish meatball pasta bake with fresh sides that complement its rich flavors.
• Crisp Garden Salad: Toss mixed greens with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light dill vinaigrette to cut through the creamy sauce.
• Lingonberry Delight: Serve traditional Swedish lingonberry jam on the side for an authentic touch that adds tangy sweetness.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Offer warm garlic-buttered crusty bread to soak up extra sauce and complete the hearty meal.

Storing Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled pasta bake to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents, freeze up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, adding splash of milk or broth to maintain moisture.

Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Swedish meatball pasta bake combines classic Nordic flavors with comforting pasta layers. Creamy sauce and tender meatballs create a satisfying meal you’ll savor to the last bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground meat
• 2 cups shell pasta
• 5 cups beef broth
• 1 1/2 sticks butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 2/3 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Aromatics and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Blend finely diced sautéed onions with aromatic herbs, milk, and minced garlic into breadcrumbs, creating a moist and flavorful base.
2. Gently fold the cooled breadcrumb mixture with ground meat and eggs, carefully forming uniform spherical meatballs without overworking the protein.
3. Stabilize meatball structure by chilling in refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes while preheating oven to 375°F.
4. Cook pasta until just tender, maintaining slight firmness, and simultaneously brown meatballs in batches to develop rich caramelized exterior.
5. Construct creamy sauce by whisking butter and flour into a smooth roux, gradually incorporating liquid ingredients and simmering until achieving velvety consistency.
6. Artfully arrange cooked pasta and browned meatballs in baking dish, generously coating with prepared sauce, then bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbling, ensuring thorough heating and flavor melding.

Notes

• Crumb Consistency Ensure breadcrumbs are finely ground for a smoother, more uniform meatball texture that helps bind ingredients perfectly.
• Meat Temperature Mix ground meat when it’s slightly chilled to prevent fat from breaking down, creating firmer, juicier meatballs.
• Spice Flexibility Swap traditional spices with smoked paprika or nutmeg for a personalized flavor profile that elevates the classic Swedish taste.
• Dietary Adaptations Replace beef and pork with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences without compromising rich, comforting flavors.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 720
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg