Swedish meatball pasta bake

Here’s a delicious Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake recipe a cozy, creamy, and cheesy twist on the classic Swedish meatballs. It combines tender meatballs, a creamy gravy-style sauce, pasta, and melty cheese, all baked to golden perfection.

Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

✅ Servings: 4–6

⏱️ Prep Time: 30 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total: ~1 hour

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📝 Ingredients:

🔹 For the Meatballs:

• 500g (1 lb) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

• ½ small onion, finely grated or minced

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 2 tbsp milk

• ½ tsp allspice

• ½ tsp nutmeg

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp oil or butter (for cooking)

🔹 For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups (480 ml) beef or vegetable broth

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or sour cream

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste

🔹 Other:

• 300g (about 10 oz) short pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)

• 1–1½ cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)

• Parsley for garnish (optional)

🍳 Instructions:

1. Make the Meatballs:

1. In a bowl, combine ground meat, grated onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

2. Mix gently until combined. Don’t overwork the mixture.

3. Form into small meatballs (~1 inch wide).

4. In a large skillet, heat oil/butter and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked through — they’ll finish in the oven). Set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta:

1. Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

1. In the same skillet (wipe if needed), melt butter over medium heat.

2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a roux.

3. Slowly whisk in broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

4. Once it thickens slightly, stir in cream and Worcestershire sauce.

5. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

4. Assemble the Bake:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large bowl or the skillet (if big enough), combine cooked pasta, meatballs, and sauce. Mix gently to coat.

3. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

4. Top evenly with shredded cheese.

5. Bake:

1. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

2. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

• Garnish with chopped parsley.

• Serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables.

🔄 Optional Variations:

• Use turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

• Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra veggies.

• Use sour cream instead of heavy cream for more tang (more traditional Swedish style).