Introduction
This Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food — tender homemade meatballs, creamy sauce, and pasta all baked together under a golden layer of melted cheese. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or beef and pork mix)
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons butter or oil (for frying)
For the Sauce and Pasta Bake:
12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or macaroni)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and parsley.
Form into small meatballs (about 1 inch each).
Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook meatballs for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually add beef broth, whisking until smooth.
Stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
Simmer until thick and creamy (about 3–5 minutes).
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with the creamy sauce and half of the cheese.
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
Top with meatballs and sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley.
How to Make (Summary)
1. Cook pasta and meatballs separately.
2. Prepare a creamy Swedish-style sauce.
3. Combine pasta, sauce, and cheese.
4. Top with meatballs and bake until golden.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!
Variations
Use turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor.
Swap mozzarella for Swiss or Gruyère cheese for a richer taste.
Turn it into a one-pan dish by mixing everything in an ovenproof skillet.
Tips
Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.
Let the sauce thicken slightly before adding pasta.
Don’t overbake — just until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve with a green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting flavors. It combines everything you love about Swedish meatballs and pasta into one delicious, family-friendly dish.