Introduction

If you love creamy, cheesy casseroles and crave the savory, slightly spiced flavor of Swedish meatballs, this Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is the perfect combination. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender pasta, juicy meatballs, and a creamy sauce, baked to golden perfection. This recipe brings the comfort of classic Swedish meatballs and pasta into one cozy dish, ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or when you want to impress your guests.

Why You Will Love It

Here are just a few reasons why this Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is bound to become a household favorite:

Deliciously Creamy: The sauce is rich and comforting, perfectly coating every piece of pasta.
Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will devour this dish!
Simple Ingredients: It uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it in advance and bake it when ready to serve.
One-Dish Meal: Easy to prepare and even easier to clean up!

Ingredients To Make Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake:

For the Meatballs:

Ground Beef or Pork: 1 lb (or a mix of both for extra flavor).
Breadcrumbs: ½ cup, for texture and binding.
Egg: 1 large, to hold the meatballs together.
Onion: ½ small onion, finely grated.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
Allspice and Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon each, for that signature Swedish flavor.
Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped (optional).

For the Sauce:

Butter: 3 tablespoons, for a rich base.
Flour: 3 tablespoons, to thicken the sauce.
Beef Broth: 2 cups, for a savory, flavorful liquid.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup, to make the sauce creamy.
Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon, for depth of flavor.
Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon, to balance the richness.
Salt and Pepper: To season the sauce.

For the Pasta Bake:

Pasta: 12 oz (penne, rotini, or another short pasta).
Mozzarella Cheese: 1 ½ cups, shredded, for a melty topping.
Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup, grated, for added flavor.
Parsley: For garnish (optional).

How To Make Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients:
- Dice the chicken, chop the veggies, and drain the pineapple chunks if necessary. Ensure all ingredients are prepped and within reach for quick cooking.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Scramble the Eggs:
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies:
- Add the minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), and vegetables to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the vegetables are tender.
Add the Pineapple:
- Stir in the pineapple chunks and cook for another minute to release their juices and caramelize slightly.
Mix in the Rice:
- Push the veggies and pineapple to one side of the skillet. Add a bit more oil and stir in the cold, cooked rice. Break up any clumps and fry the rice for 2-3 minutes.
Combine Everything:
- Return the chicken and scrambled eggs to the skillet. Drizzle the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the mixture. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Garnish and Serve:
- Top with sliced green onions and, if desired, toasted cashews. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips For Making Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

Don’t Overmix the Meatballs: Overmixing can make the meatballs dense. Mix just until combined.
Grate the Onion: Grating the onion instead of chopping ensures a moist and evenly flavored meatball.
Undercook the Pasta Slightly: The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so keep it slightly undercooked during boiling.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly due to added starches.
Make It Ahead: Assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What To Serve With Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with light and fresh sides:

Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.
Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta bake.
Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots add a healthy touch.
Lingonberry Jam: A nod to Swedish tradition, the sweet-tart jam pairs surprisingly well with the savory meatballs.

Nutrition

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake (based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	550-600
Protein	30-35g
Carbohydrates	45-50g
Fat	25-30g
Fiber	3-4g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Essential Kitchen Tools For This Recipe

To make this recipe with ease, you’ll need:

Mixing Bowl: For preparing the meatballs.
Large Skillet: To cook the meatballs and make the sauce.
Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch dish works well for this recipe.
Whisk: To ensure a smooth sauce.
Tongs or Slotted Spoon: For handling the meatballs.

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FAQs

1. Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes! Pre-cooked frozen meatballs are a great time-saver. Just thaw them before adding to the dish.

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta, and substitute the flour in the sauce with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

4. Can I freeze Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake?

Yes, it freezes well. Assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

5. What other cheeses can I use?

Cheddar or Gruyère can be used for a slightly different flavor profile.

Recipe Cards

Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

Mixing Bowl: For preparing the meatballs
Large Skillet: To cook the meatballs and make the sauce
Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch dish works well for this recipe
Whisk: To ensure a smooth sauce
Tongs or Slotted Spoon: For handling the meatballs

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

Ground Beef or Pork: 1 lb or a mix of both for extra flavor
Breadcrumbs: ½ cup for texture and binding
Egg: 1 large to hold the meatballs together
Onion: ½ small onion finely grated
Garlic: 2 cloves minced
Allspice and Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon each, for that signature Swedish flavor
Salt and Pepper: To taste
Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons finely chopped (optional)

For the Sauce:

Butter: 3 tablespoons for a rich base
Flour: 3 tablespoons to thicken the sauce
Beef Broth: 2 cups for a savory, flavorful liquid
Heavy Cream: 1 cup to make the sauce creamy
Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon for depth of flavor
Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon to balance the richness
Salt and Pepper: To season the sauce

For the Pasta Bake:

Pasta: 12 oz penne, rotini, or another short pasta
Mozzarella Cheese: 1 ½ cups shredded, for a melty topping
Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup grated, for added flavor
Parsley: For garnish (optional)

Instructions

Make the Meatballs:

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, garlic, allspice, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until just combined.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set them aside on a plate.

Cook the Meatballs:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides, cooking in batches if needed. They don’t need to be fully cooked as they’ll finish in the oven. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
Add the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.

Cook the Pasta:

While preparing the sauce, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Assemble the Pasta Bake:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta and sauce, mixing until evenly coated.
Nestle the browned meatballs into the pasta mixture. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.

Bake:

Bake the dish for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve warm.

Notes

Don’t Overmix the Meatballs: Overmixing can make the meatballs dense. Mix just until combined.
Grate the Onion: Grating the onion instead of chopping ensures a moist and evenly flavored meatball.
Undercook the Pasta Slightly: The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so keep it slightly undercooked during boiling.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly due to added starches.
Make It Ahead: Assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Keyword Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake, Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe

Conclusion

Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy sauce, tender meatballs, and cheesy pasta into one irresistible dish. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking to impress at a potluck, this recipe checks all the boxes. Simple to make and bursting with flavor, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.