Introduction

Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake combines the comforting flavors of classic Swedish meatballs with creamy pasta goodness. Tender meatballs, rich and flavorful sauce, and perfectly baked pasta make this dish an irresistible family favorite. It’s a cozy, hearty meal that brings together the best of Scandinavian and Italian-inspired cooking in one cheesy, golden casserole.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• ½ lb (225g) ground pork
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 large egg
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp ground allspice
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta Bake:

• 12 oz (340g) penne or rotini pasta
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, mix together beef, pork, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg until well combined. Shape into small meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until cooked through.
2. Cook the Pasta: While the meatballs bake, cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thickened, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta and baked meatballs to the sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly.
5. Bake the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Description

This Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and loaded with juicy homemade meatballs. The luscious sauce clings to every piece of pasta, while the baked cheese topping adds that irresistible gooey layer that ties it all together. It’s a complete meal that’s both elegant and cozy, perfect for Sunday dinners or family gatherings.

Tips

• Short on time? Use frozen Swedish meatballs for a quicker version.
• Make ahead: Assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
• Add veggies: Stir in spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• For a lighter sauce: Substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Correction

If your sauce turns out too thick, whisk in a little more broth or milk until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a few extra minutes to thicken naturally.

Serve this Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake hot from the oven with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. Every creamy, cheesy bite will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings for true comfort food!