This Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is a delicious, hearty dish that combines the best of meatballs, pasta, and cheese into one comforting meal. The meatballs are tender and juicy, paired perfectly with a rich, creamy sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan for a golden, bubbly finish.
It’s a one-pan wonder, making it both easy to prepare and clean up after. The pasta absorbs all the flavors from the savory meatballs and sauce, creating a wonderfully satisfying bite in every forkful. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next meal.
Full Recipe:
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1 lb. (450 g) ground beef
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1/4 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1 egg
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
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1 cup beef broth
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rigatoni)
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix well and form the mixture into small meatballs.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes.
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Add the tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
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Return the meatballs to the skillet and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
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In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta and meatball sauce mixture. Stir to combine.
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Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
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Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 470 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake: A Comforting Family Favorite
Swedish meatballs, a beloved Scandinavian classic, meet creamy pasta and a rich, savory sauce in this comforting Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, this dish has quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking to create a weeknight dinner that will please everyone at the table or you’re planning to impress guests with a hearty, satisfying meal, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
The Perfect Comfort Food Combination
This Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake combines the best elements of comfort food: juicy meatballs, tender pasta, and a velvety, flavorful sauce. The meatballs themselves are made from a simple mix of ground beef, breadcrumbs, spices, and herbs that give them a savory, slightly spiced flavor. They are pan-fried to a golden brown, which enhances their taste and texture before being nestled into a bed of cooked pasta. The creamy sauce is made with beef broth, whipping cream, and Worcestershire sauce, simmered together to create a rich and slightly tangy base. Once the meatballs are added and baked in the oven, the result is a bubbling, cheesy casserole that’s pure comfort.
Why This Dish Works So Well
The beauty of Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake lies in the combination of ingredients that bring both flavor and texture to the table. The meatballs, lightly seasoned with nutmeg, allspice, and cayenne pepper, offer a warm, spiced kick that pairs wonderfully with the creaminess of the sauce. The pasta acts as a perfect vessel to absorb all the savory flavors of the sauce, while the melting mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top create a beautifully golden, cheesy crust that takes this dish over the top.
One of the reasons this dish is so popular is its versatility. It’s an easy-to-make casserole that doesn’t require much prep time, yet it delivers a satisfying meal that can feed a crowd. The recipe is also quite adaptable; you can swap in different types of pasta or even try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of the meatballs. The addition of dill as a garnish adds a fresh note, and a squeeze of lemon over the top brightens the entire dish, balancing the richness of the cream.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re serving this dish for a casual family dinner or for a special gathering, the Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s the type of meal that’s comforting yet impressive, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and weekend feasts. The dish can be prepped ahead of time, making it an excellent option for busy days when you want to spend less time in the kitchen. Simply prepare the meatballs, sauce, and pasta, then assemble everything in the baking dish and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, pop it in the oven for a hot, bubbly meal in no time.
Tips for Perfecting Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake
To make this dish even better, consider these simple tips:
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Choose the right pasta: While the recipe calls for penne or rigatoni, you can easily swap in other pasta shapes, such as bowties or fusilli. Just make sure to use a sturdy pasta that will hold up well to the sauce and meatballs.
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Make the meatballs smaller: If you prefer smaller portions or need the meatballs to cook a little faster, try forming them into smaller sizes. This will also ensure that more of the meatballs are evenly distributed throughout the dish, providing a bite of meatball in every forkful.
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Customize the sauce: The sauce for this dish is creamy and savory, but you can personalize it with additional seasonings. For a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes. If you enjoy a deeper flavor, you could incorporate a splash of red wine into the sauce while it simmers.
Serving Suggestions
This Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, perhaps with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish. Steamed vegetables, such as green beans or broccoli, also make for a great accompaniment, providing a nice balance to the meal’s flavors and adding a bit of crunch. For those looking to serve it with a bit of extra indulgence, garlic bread or crusty rolls would be the perfect side to sop up any leftover sauce.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, you’re in luck—this dish stores beautifully and makes for excellent leftovers. Simply store any remaining pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s hot and bubbly again, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker reheat, though the oven will help maintain that golden, cheesy crust.
Conclusion
Incorporating the flavors of traditional Swedish meatballs with creamy pasta and a savory sauce, this Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is a recipe that brings the best of comfort food into your kitchen. It’s an easy-to-make, adaptable dish that satisfies both the body and the soul, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or hosting a dinner party, this dish will leave your guests asking for seconds. Its rich flavors, hearty meatballs, and cheesy topping will have everyone coming back for more. So go ahead, indulge in this creamy, cheesy masterpiece that’s bound to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.