The Coziest Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe For Cold Nights

Hearty swedish meatball pasta bake brings comfort straight to your dinner table with its rich, creamy layers.

Nordic flavors mingle beautifully in this one-pot wonder that promises pure satisfaction.

Tender meatballs nestled among pasta create a delightful texture every home cook will adore.

Fragrant spices like nutmeg and allspice dance through each delectable bite, transporting you to a cozy Scandinavian kitchen.

Perfectly browned meatballs swimming in a velvety sauce make this dish irresistibly inviting.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe that guarantees smiles around the table.

Dive in and savor every single, delicious forkful.

Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Features

• Quick Family Feast: Combines classic Swedish meatballs with comforting pasta for a hearty meal that pleases everyone from kids to adults.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, requiring minimal kitchen expertise.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Rich, creamy sauce and melted cheese create an irresistible dish perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy family dinners that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamlines cooking process by using a single skillet and baking dish, reducing cleanup and making weeknight cooking a breeze.

Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Ingredients

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that provides rich flavor and meaty texture to the meatballs.
• Ground Pork: Adds juiciness and helps create a more complex meat blend for tender meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk, Egg: These ingredients work together to help bind the meatballs and create a soft, cohesive texture.
• Onion, Garlic: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic base for the meatball mixture.
• Nutmeg, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the meatballs.

• Butter, Flour: Create a smooth roux as the base for the creamy sauce.
• Beef Broth, Cream: Combine to make a rich and velvety sauce with deep flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy and complex flavor to the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provide creamy and sharp cheese notes that melt beautifully on top of the dish.
• Pasta: Serves as the foundation of the bake, absorbing the delicious sauce.
• Parsley: Fresh herb used for garnish and adding a bright, fresh element to the finished dish.

Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Directions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Get your pasta dancing in boiling water, then drain it completely.

Step 2: Craft Magical Meatballs

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Egg
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Nutmeg
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage these ingredients together and roll into perfect little meatball spheres.

Step 3: Brown Those Beauties

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Gently brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a gorgeous golden crust.

Transfer to a waiting plate.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce Magic

In the same skillet, whip up a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour.

Slowly pour in beef broth and cream, stirring until silky smooth.

Step 5: Season the Sauce

Splash in Worcestershire sauce, then season with salt and pepper.

Let the sauce bubble and thicken for a few delightful minutes.

Step 6: Assemble the Masterpiece

• Cooked pasta
• Browned meatballs
• Creamy sauce

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve and Celebrate

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve piping hot.

Enjoy your Swedish meatball pasta heaven!

Tips for Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

• Use a light touch when mixing meatball ingredients to keep them tender and prevent tough, dense results.
• Ensure meatballs are evenly browned by using a hot skillet and turning them gently to create a delicious golden crust.
• Whisk the roux and liquid slowly to prevent lumps, creating a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the pasta and meatballs perfectly.
• Choose freshly grated cheese for better melting and more robust flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Prepare meatballs and sauce in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving to save time and enhance flavors.

Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Twists

• Gluten-Free Meatball Pasta: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko. Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground meats with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for the sauce.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Replace pasta with roasted cauliflower florets. Use a lower-carb thickener like xanthan gum for the sauce instead of flour.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Add feta cheese instead of mozzarella. Mix in sun-dried tomatoes and fresh oregano for a different flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

• Party Pleaser Platter: Serve this hearty dish at gatherings with crusty bread and a crisp green salad to balance the rich flavors.
• Cozy Comfort Combo: Pair with lingonberry jam on the side for an authentic Swedish touch that adds a sweet-tart brightness to the meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a light Swedish beer to enhance the meatball's savory profile.
• Fresh Finish: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or chives just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh herbal note.

Storage Instructions for Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping meatballs and pasta separate from sauce to maintain texture.
• Place cooled meatball pasta bake in freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for maximum 2 months.
• Transfer portion to microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350F, add leftovers to baking dish, cover with foil, warm for 15-20 minutes, then uncover for last 5 minutes to crisp cheese.

FAQs

• Why use both ground beef and pork in the meatballs?

The combination creates a more complex flavor and juicier texture. Beef provides robust taste while pork adds tenderness and richness to the meatballs.

• Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare meatballs a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just cover and keep them chilled until ready to cook, which helps develop deeper flavors.

• What role does nutmeg play in Swedish meatballs?

Nutmeg adds a warm, subtle spice that’s traditional in Swedish cuisine. It provides a distinctive background flavor that enhances the meat’s richness without overwhelming the dish.

Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Swedish meatball pasta bake combines classic Scandinavian comfort with creamy, savory goodness. Melted cheese, tender meatballs, and perfectly cooked pasta promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 large egg

Aromatics and Base:

• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Pasta and Cheese:

• 16 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare pasta according to package directions, then thoroughly drain.
2. Combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced onion, crushed garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Gently form uniform meatballs.
3. Heat butter in a skillet over medium temperature and carefully brown meatballs on all surfaces until golden. Transfer browned meatballs to a separate plate.
4. In the same skillet, create a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour until smooth and lightly golden.
5. Gradually incorporate beef broth and cream into the roux, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and create a silky sauce.
6. Season the sauce with Worcestershire sauce, additional salt, and pepper. Simmer until sauce thickens and develops rich flavor.
7. Transfer cooked pasta to a large baking dish, arrange browned meatballs evenly throughout, and pour sauce over the entire mixture.
8. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top, creating a complete cheese coverage.
9. Bake for 20 minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden crust.
10. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Swap ground meats for a leaner protein like turkey or chicken to reduce overall fat content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Toast breadcrumbs briefly before mixing into meatball mixture to enhance nutty depth and provide extra crispiness to the exterior.
• Freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet for 15 minutes before browning to help them maintain perfect round shape and prevent falling apart during cooking.
• Consider adding a splash of soy sauce or beef base to the sauce for deeper umami flavor that elevates the entire dish’s richness and complexity.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg