Here’s a comforting Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake—a creamy, cheesy, and hearty casserole perfect for weeknight dinners. 🍝🥘
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp allspice or nutmeg (optional, for authentic Swedish flavor)
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta Bake
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, egg, salt, pepper, and optional allspice/nutmeg.
- Form into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until cooked through (or pan-fry until browned).
2. Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta 1–2 minutes less than package instructions (it will bake in the sauce). Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in beef broth and heavy cream until smooth.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Assemble the Bake
- In a large baking dish, combine cooked pasta, meatballs, and sauce.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Bake
- Bake uncovered 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Optional: serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad.
Tips
- Make-ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to a day before baking.
- Vegetable boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas to the pasta mix.
- Extra creaminess: Stir in ½ cup sour cream into the sauce before baking.
I can also provide a one-pot stovetop version where the pasta, meatballs, and sauce cook together for a quicker dinner.
Do you want me to give that version?
