Indulge in our comforting Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake, featuring tender meatballs in a creamy sauce, baked to perfection with melted mozzarella. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Serve hot and enjoy the rich flavors that everyone will love!
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork (optional, for enhanced flavor)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
12 oz pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, optional ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and chopped onion. Mix thoroughly and shape into 1-inch meatballs.
Brown Meatballs: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add meatballs in batches and brown on all sides until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.
Prepare Sauce: Using the same skillet, whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently until thickened, approximately 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Combine and Bake: Add cooked pasta and meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot and savor the delightful flavors of Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake!
Serving Tips:
Presentation: Serve Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake directly from the oven to retain its warmth and gooey cheese topping.
Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving for a burst of freshness and color.
Accompaniments: Serve with a side of lingonberry sauce or cranberry sauce to complement the savory flavors of the dish.
Pairing: Enjoy with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, portion the cooled pasta bake into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 1-2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until heated through, approximately 20-25 minutes.
Freshness: For best results, consume freshly baked pasta bake within a few days to enjoy its optimal texture and flavors.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe traditionally calls for a combination of ground beef and optional ground pork, you can customize it to your preferences. Experiment with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute like plant-based crumbles for a different twist.
How can I adjust the seasonings to suit my taste?
Feel free to tweak the seasonings like nutmeg, allspice, salt, and pepper according to your preference for more or less pronounced flavors. Start with the suggested amounts and adjust gradually until it matches your taste.
Can I prepare Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, assemble the pasta bake, top with cheese, and bake as directed. This makes it convenient for busy days or when entertaining guests.
What can I serve with Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake?
For a complete meal, consider serving it with a fresh green salad tossed with vinaigrette dressing or a side of steamed vegetables. Garlic bread or crusty French bread also pairs well to soak up the delicious sauce.
Conclusion:
This Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake recipe combines the best of two worlds: savory meatballs and comforting pasta, all baked to perfection with creamy sauce and melted cheese. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it tonight and treat yourself to a taste of culinary delight!
📖 Recipe:
Print
Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8
Description
Discover the perfect blend of savory flavors in our Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake recipe. Enjoy tender meatballs nestled in a creamy sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork (optional)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and chopped onion. Mix well and shape into 1-inch meatballs.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs in batches until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Add cooked pasta and meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy hot!
Notes
Adjust seasoning to taste preference. Nutmeg and allspice add a hint of sweetness typical in Swedish meatballs.
Serve with lingonberry sauce or cranberry sauce for a traditional touch.
Customize by adding vegetables like peas or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Serves 6-8
