This Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is a deliciously cozy dish that combines the rich flavors of traditional Swedish meatballs with a creamy, cheesy pasta bake. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests with a comforting meal. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, and the creamy sauce coats the pasta beautifully, making each bite indulgent and satisfying.
Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake
I love making this dish because it brings together two of my favorite comfort foods: Swedish meatballs and pasta. The meatballs are tender and seasoned with classic Swedish spices like allspice and nutmeg, while the creamy sauce is made from scratch, giving the dish a homemade, cozy feel. Plus, the combination of pasta and meatballs baked with a golden layer of cheese on top is always a crowd-pleaser.
Pair this pasta bake with a side of Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes Recipe or a fresh Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese Recipe for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: The combination of creamy pasta and flavorful meatballs makes this dish the ultimate comfort food.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time, making this dish perfect for meal prep.
- Cheesy and Creamy: Baked with a golden layer of cheese, this pasta bake is rich and indulgent.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this dish, making it a great option for family dinners.
Main Ingredients for Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake
- Ground Beef and Pork – The perfect combination for juicy, flavorful meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meatballs and gives them a tender texture.
- Allspice and Nutmeg – Classic Swedish spices that give the meatballs their distinct flavor.
- Pasta – Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works well for this bake.
- Heavy Cream and Beef Broth – Create a rich, creamy sauce to coat the pasta and meatballs.
- Cheese – A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan adds a gooey, cheesy topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe
Here’s how to make this delicious pasta bake step by step:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Tip: Greasing the dish prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Make the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 pound of ground beef, 1/2 pound of ground pork, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated onion, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of allspice, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Pro Tip: Overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so mix until just combined.
- Shape and Brown the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
- Tip: The meatballs don’t need to be fully cooked at this point—they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
- Cook the Pasta: While the meatballs are browning, cook 12 ounces of pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Pro Tip: Slightly undercook the pasta by 1-2 minutes, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet you browned the meatballs, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in 1 1/2 cups of beef broth and 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Tip: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Assemble the Bake: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meatballs, and creamy sauce. Toss until the pasta and meatballs are evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan.
- Pro Tip: For extra cheesiness, you can add more mozzarella or even a blend of cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina.
- Bake the Dish: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Pro Tip: For an extra crispy top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Serve: Let the pasta bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Serving Idea: This dish is perfect with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Extra Tips and Variations
- Make it Lighter: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork for a lighter version of this dish.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas to add extra nutrition and flavor.
- How to Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- How to Freeze: You can freeze the assembled pasta bake (before baking) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Health Benefits of Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake
This dish offers a balance of protein, carbs, and fats, making it a satisfying meal. Ground beef and pork provide protein and essential vitamins like iron, while the creamy sauce offers healthy fats from the cream. You can add vegetables to boost the fiber and nutrient content, making this pasta bake both comforting and nutritious.
- Rich in Protein: The meatballs provide a high-quality source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- High in Calcium: The cheese and cream add calcium, which supports bone health.
- Customizable for Healthier Options: You can make this dish lighter by using leaner meats and adding more vegetables for a nutrient boost.
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