This Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake takes all the comforting flavors of classic Swedish meatballs — creamy sauce, tender meat, and rich gravy — and combines them with pasta for an easy, crowd-pleasing casserole. It’s hearty, flavorful, and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- ½ lb (225 g) ground pork
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp allspice
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp butter (for frying)
For the Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta Bake
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, milk, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Roll into small balls (about 1 inch each).
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry meatballs in batches until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden. Gradually whisk in beef broth until smooth. Add cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and toss with a bit of the sauce to prevent sticking.
4. Assemble the Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large baking dish, combine cooked pasta, meatballs, and sauce. Mix gently to coat evenly. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
Tips
- Substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor.
- For a richer sauce, use a splash of soy sauce or a dash of nutmeg.
Enjoy !!!
