Craving a hearty, cozy dish that combines the best of two beloved comfort foods—Swedish meatballs and pasta? You're in the right place! This Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is a creamy, savory, and cheesy meal that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. It takes the classic flavors of Swedish meatballs and marries them with tender pasta, all baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly cheese topping. Intrigued? Keep reading to discover how to make this irresistible dish, along with tips and tricks to ensure it turns out perfect every time.
What are Swedish Meatballs?
Swedish meatballs, known as köttbullar in Sweden, are small, spiced meatballs typically made with a blend of ground beef and pork. Unlike Italian meatballs, Swedish meatballs are seasoned with warm spices like allspice and nutmeg, then cooked in a creamy, velvety gravy made with broth and cream. These meatballs are usually served with lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes or pasta. In this recipe, we take those signature flavors and combine them with pasta to create a baked dish that's easy, delicious, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients List for Swedish Meatballs
Before diving into the steps, let’s start with what you’ll need to create the perfect Swedish meatballs:
- Ground beef – ½ pound (or use all pork for a richer flavor).
- Ground pork – ½ pound.
- Breadcrumbs – ½ cup (preferably plain, but Italian-seasoned will work in a pinch).
- Milk – ¼ cup (to soak the breadcrumbs).
- Egg – 1 large (helps to bind the meatballs).
- Onion – 1 small, finely grated or minced.
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced.
- Allspice – ½ teaspoon.
- Nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon.
- Salt – 1 teaspoon.
- Pepper – ½ teaspoon.
- Butter – 2 tablespoons (for browning the meatballs).
Ingredients List for the Pasta Bake
Now that you’ve gathered what you need for the meatballs, here’s what you’ll need for the pasta and sauce:
- Pasta – 12 ounces (penne, rigatoni, or any other short pasta).
- Butter – 3 tablespoons.
- All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons.
- Beef broth – 2 cups (preferably low sodium).
- Heavy cream – 1 cup (or substitute half-and-half for a lighter version).
- Worcestershire sauce – 1 teaspoon (adds a nice depth of flavor).
- Dijon mustard – 1 teaspoon.
- Shredded cheese – 2 cups (a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan works well).
- Fresh parsley – for garnish.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is its versatility. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:
- Meat: You can make the dish with only ground beef or only ground pork if you prefer. Ground turkey or chicken also works if you're looking for a lighter option.
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and cream alternatives, and choose a vegan butter and cheese substitute for a dairy-free version.
- Gluten-free: Opt for gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. You can also use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce.
- Cheese: Feel free to use your favorite cheeses. Gruyère, cheddar, or even gouda can add a different flavor profile to the bake.
- Add vegetables: For a boost of nutrition, add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even peas to the sauce before baking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get to the fun part—cooking! Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure your Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake turns out deliciously.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Before you start cooking, set your oven to the right temperature so it's ready for baking by the time you assemble your dish.
- Prepare the meatballs.
- In a small bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in the milk and let it sit for a few minutes.
- In a larger bowl, combine the soaked breadcrumbs, ground beef, ground pork, egg, onion, garlic, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently with your hands, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). They don’t have to be fully cooked yet, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
- Cook the pasta.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the creamy sauce.
- In the same skillet where you browned the meatballs, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1 minute until it becomes golden.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Let the sauce simmer for another 2 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
How to Cook Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that your meatballs, pasta, and sauce are prepped, it’s time to assemble and bake.
- Combine pasta and sauce.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated. - Assemble the bake.
In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Arrange the browned meatballs on top, then add the remaining pasta mixture to cover the meatballs. - Add cheese.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan over the top of the pasta and meatballs. - Bake.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown. - Garnish and serve.
Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the meatball mixture: Be gentle when mixing the meatball ingredients to avoid making them tough.
- Not browning the meatballs: Don’t skip this step! Browning the meatballs adds flavor and helps them hold together.
- Overcooking the pasta: Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, make sure to undercook it slightly (al dente) during the boiling process.
- Using too much cheese: While cheese is delicious, too much can make the bake overly greasy. Stick to the recommended amount.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To make your Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake even more impressive, consider these serving and presentation ideas.
How to Serve Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake
- Family-style: Serve straight from the baking dish, letting everyone dig in for a cozy, communal feel.
- Portion plates: For a more elegant presentation, plate individual portions and top with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley.
- Accompanying dishes: Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Presentation Ideas for Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake
- Garnish generously: Fresh parsley or dill adds a pop of color.
- Bake in a cast iron skillet: This not only looks rustic and inviting, but it also retains heat well.
- Add color: A small drizzle of lingonberry sauce on the side is a nod to traditional Swedish meatballs and adds a contrasting bright color to the dish.
Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe Tips
- Make ahead: Prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time, then assemble and bake just before serving.
- Double the recipe: This dish freezes well. Double the recipe and freeze one for a busy weeknight meal.
- Reheating tip: Reheat leftovers in the oven to preserve the texture of the pasta and the crispiness of the cheese topping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the dish, but don’t bake it yet. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F, adding an additional 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the bake from becoming soggy. You can also use the microwave for individual portions.
Q: Can I use store-bought meatballs?
A: Yes, store-bought meatballs work great if you’re short on time. Just brown them slightly before adding to the bake.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply swap regular pasta and breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions, and use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce.
Conclusion
This Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food mashup. With savory, spiced meatballs, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce all topped with gooey melted cheese, it's a dish that's sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this hearty bake is a guaranteed hit. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
PrintSwedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe
Enjoy a comforting Swedish meatball pasta bake recipe with tender meatballs, creamy sauce, and flavorful pasta. This easy casserole dish combines classic Swedish flavors with pasta for a perfect family meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Ground pork
- Onion
- Garlic
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Allspice
- Nutmeg
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Butter
- Flour
- Beef broth
- Heavy cream
- Pasta (fusilli or penne)
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare meatballs: Mix beef, pork, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
- Cook meatballs in a skillet until browned and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter, whisk in flour, and gradually add beef broth. Cook until thickened.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Cook pasta until al dente, then combine with the sauce and meatballs in a baking dish.
- Top with Parmesan cheese and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- You can substitute pork with turkey for a leaner option.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820 mg
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