Name: Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 1 and 1/4 cups plain panko bread crumbs; 4 tablespoons butter; 2/3 cup yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 teaspoons salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2/3 cup milk; 2 eggs; 1 pound ground beef (85/15); 1 pound ground pork; 3 tablespoons oil; 2 cups shell pasta; 6 tablespoons butter; 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 4 cups beef broth (low sodium); 1/2 cup water; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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If you’re on the lookout for a heartwarming dish that combines all your comfort food dreams into one glorious pan, this Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, spiced meatballs nestled in perfectly cooked shell pasta, all drenched in a luscious, creamy sauce with just the right hint of Worcestershire and herbs. It is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out—satisfying, rich, and utterly irresistible. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for cozy and crowd-pleasing deliciousness.

The image shows a clear glass baking dish on a white marbled surface, filled with a creamy sauce covering small shell pasta and browned meatballs. There are around eight meatballs, each with a dark, crispy outer layer, scattered on top of and mixed with the creamy sauce. The pasta shells are soft yellow and somewhat glossy from the sauce, which is light beige with visible black pepper and herb specks. Fresh green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the dish. A silver spoon is scooping one meatball along with pasta shells, with its handle resting on the dish edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe plays a crucial role in building a dish that’s rich in flavor and texture, yet surprisingly straightforward. From the spices that elevate the meatballs to the creamy sauce that ties everything together, these essentials come together to create nothing short of magic in your kitchen.

Panko bread crumbs: Provides a light, airy texture to the meatballs for that perfect bite.
Butter: Used to sauté onions and make the sauce silky smooth and rich.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and a lovely aromatics base for the meatballs.
Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish properly.
Pepper: Gives a gentle kick that wakes up the flavors.
Ground allspice and nutmeg: Classic warming spices that give the meatballs their signature Swedish flavor.
Garlic: Infuses a savory depth that’s impossible to resist.
Milk: Keeps the meatballs moist and tender.
Eggs: Acts as a binder to hold your meatballs together perfectly.
Ground beef and ground pork: A blend that ensures juicy, flavorful meatballs.
Oil: For browning meatballs evenly without sticking.
Shell pasta: Catches the creamy sauce in every nook and cranny.
Flour: Thickens the sauce beautifully.
Beef broth: The savory backbone of the sauce, deepening the taste.
Water: Balances the sauce consistency perfectly.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds an umami punch full of rich complexity.
Fresh parsley: Brightens the sauce with a fresh herbaceous note.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and creamy.

How to Make Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Start by setting aside the panko bread crumbs in a large bowl. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add finely chopped onions, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg, cooking until the onions are soft and fragrant, about five minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional two minutes. Turn the heat down, add milk, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Pour this aromatic blend into the panko and stir until fully combined and thick. Let this cool while you prepare the rest of the meatball mix.

Step 2: Combine Meat Ingredients and Form Meatballs

In a generous bowl, beat the eggs, then add the ground beef, ground pork, and cooled onion mixture. Mixing with your hands is your best bet here—don’t worry, it’s worth it. Once everything is combined, form about 30 small meatballs and pop them into the fridge for 30 minutes to chill and firm up. This step helps them hold together beautifully when cooking.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding, turning occasionally until each one is browned on all sides—this should take about 15 minutes in total. Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a dish and set aside. Browning locks in the flavor and adds a beautiful golden crust while keeping them juicy inside.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While browning meatballs, cook the shell pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and then spread the pasta evenly in a 9 x 13 inch oven-safe baking dish, creating the perfect bed for your meatballs and sauce.

Step 5: Make the Sauce and Assemble the Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s ready when you need it. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour, stirring constantly for about two minutes to form a roux. Gradually add beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, bringing it all to a simmer while stirring often. Lower the heat and add fresh parsley and heavy cream. Continue stirring and cooking until the sauce thickens, around 10 minutes. Pour this creamy, fragrant sauce over the pasta and meatballs in the baking dish, ensuring everything gets covered evenly.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the assembled dish into your preheated oven and bake for a solid 30 minutes. The pasta will soak in the sauce, the meatballs will stay tender, and the flavors will meld into one irresistible, bubbly casserole. Get ready for the most comforting dinner you’ll make this week.

How to Serve Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface holding a serving of pasta shaped like small shells coated in a creamy light orange sauce. On top of the pasta, there are two browned meatballs with a slight crispy texture. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled over both the pasta and meatballs for a touch of freshness. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate, slightly touching the food. The lighting is soft and natural, enhancing the warm colors of the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or even some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top immediately brightens this dish while adding a burst of color and savoriness. You can also scatter a few crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if you love a gentle kick.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pasta bake, adding freshness and crunch. Roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans, carrots, or Brussels sprouts are fantastic companions that complement the creamy sauce without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with a golden toasted cheese crust under the broiler. Alternatively, present the bake family-style on a rustic wooden board paired with warm garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that heavenly sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe is a lifesaver for busy days. Simply cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Every bite reheats beautifully, maintaining that cozy, creamy texture.

Freezing

This dish freezes really well! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, uncovered, until warmed through and bubbly around the edges. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, covered loosely with a microwave-safe lid, stirring midway to ensure even heat.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While shell pasta works wonderfully to catch the sauce, penne, rotini, or even farfalle are great alternatives. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy during baking.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the panko bread crumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free flour for the sauce. Check your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce labels to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.

Can I prepare the meatballs a day in advance?

Definitely! Form your meatballs and keep them covered in the refrigerator overnight. When ready, brown them fresh before assembling the pasta bake for the best texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you want a lighter sauce, full-fat coconut milk or half-and-half can be substituted, though the sauce will be less rich. Keep an eye on the consistency and adjust cooking time as needed.

How do I reduce the saltiness in the sauce?

Since Worcestershire sauce and salt can vary in intensity, start by adding half the recommended amounts, then taste the sauce as it simmers. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!

Final Thoughts

I truly can’t recommend this Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe enough—it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that brings together the best of comfort food with minimal fuss. Whether you’re serving your family or impressing friends, it delivers rich flavor, tender meatballs, and creamy sauce in every bite. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become a favorite go-to meal in your recipe arsenal!

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