Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake
Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake – A Comforting and Cheesy Delight
Introduction
Swedish meatballs are a classic dish known for their rich and creamy flavor. When combined with pasta and baked with melted cheese, they create the perfect comfort meal—Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake. This dish blends tender meatballs, a creamy sauce, and pasta for a hearty, oven-baked meal that the whole family will love.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through a simple step-by-step method to prepare this delicious pasta bake at home. Whether for a cozy dinner or a special gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Rich & Creamy – The Swedish-style sauce makes it extra flavorful.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a straightforward process.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Can be made ahead and reheated.
✔ Crowd-Pleasing – A favorite for family dinners and potlucks.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- ½ lb (225g) ground pork (or use all beef)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef, ground pork, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
- Shape into small meatballs (about 1 inch in size).
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat and fry the meatballs until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, followed by the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Bake
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, meatballs, and sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake
✔ Use a mix of beef and pork for tender, flavorful meatballs.
✔ Don’t overwork the meat mixture to keep the meatballs soft.
✔ Let the sauce simmer to develop a deeper, richer taste.
✔ Choose a sturdy pasta like penne or rigatoni to hold the sauce well.
Conclusion
Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together creamy sauce, tender meatballs, and cheesy baked pasta. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a delicious homemade meal!
