Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the rich, creamy flavors of Swedish meatballs with the heartiness of pasta
• Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
• A comforting and satisfying meal for any occasion
• Kid-friendly and great for the whole family

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Bread crumbs
• Egg
• Milk
• Salt and pepper
• Nutmeg
• Allspice
• Butter
• Flour
• Beef broth
• Heavy cream
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat Oven & Cook Pasta – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Meatballs – In a bowl, mix ground beef, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, egg, milk, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and allspice. Roll into small meatballs.
3. Cook the Meatballs – Heat a pan over medium heat with a bit of butter. Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
4. Prepare the Sauce – In the same pan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add beef broth, whisking constantly. Stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Simmer until thickened.
5. Assemble the Bake – In a baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, meatballs, and sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
6. Add Cheese & Bake – Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
7. Serve & Enjoy – Let it cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Turkey Meatballs – Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta and bread crumbs. Substitute flour with cornstarch for the sauce.
• Spicy Twist – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a little heat.
• Extra Veggies – Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
• Cheese Variations – Swap mozzarella for gouda or cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
• Freezing: Freeze the unbaked pasta bake for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

FAQs

How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to use enough binding ingredients like egg and bread crumbs, and don’t overmix the meat mixture.

Can I use pre-made meatballs?

Yes, store-bought meatballs work well if you’re short on time. Just cook them according to package instructions before adding them to the bake.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the sauce well and maintain their texture during baking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute it with half-and-half, evaporated milk, or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt.

How do I keep the sauce from being too thick?

Add extra beef broth or a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much before baking.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas are great additions to this pasta bake.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy sauce and cheesy topping make it a hit with kids.

Can I use a different cheese topping?

Yes, gouda, Swiss, or Monterey Jack can be used instead of mozzarella.

How do I make this a one-pan meal?

Use an oven-safe skillet to cook the meatballs and sauce, then mix in the pasta and bake in the same pan.

Conclusion

Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you prepare it fresh or as a make-ahead meal, it’s a delicious twist on classic Swedish meatballs that everyone will love.

Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

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This Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is a cozy and hearty dish featuring homemade (or store-bought) Swedish meatballs, a creamy, flavorful sauce, and baked pasta topped with melted cheese. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that combines the best of Swedish and Italian flavors!

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Dinner, Casserole, Comfort Food
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Swedish, Fusion

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground chicken (or additional ground beef)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ tsp allspice
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp butter (for frying)

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

• Prepare the Meatballs:

  • In a bowl, mix ground beef, ground chicken, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, milk, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  • Roll into 1-inch meatballs.
  • In a large skillet, melt butter and cook meatballs over medium heat until browned on all sides. Set aside.

• Cook the Pasta:

  • Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

• Make the Sauce:

  • In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux.
  • Gradually add beef broth, stirring constantly.
  • Stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Let simmer until thickened.

• Assemble the Bake:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a baking dish, combine cooked pasta, sauce, and meatballs.
  • Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.

• Bake & Serve:

  • Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• You can use store-bought frozen meatballs to save time.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to the sauce.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.