If you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying family meal, look no further than our Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake! This delightful dish combines tender meatballs, a creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese. It’s like a warm hug in a casserole dish! Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a company gathering, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be put together in just a little over an hour. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious bake that embodies a perfect blend of savory flavors!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork (optional)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
To kick off this delightful dish, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly to prevent sticking. This will help your pasta bake come out easily later on.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and, if you choose, the ground pork. Stir in the breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and the finely chopped onion. Make sure to mix everything well until all ingredients are fully combined. Then, take a small portion of the mixture and roll it into 1-inch meatballs with your hands; repeat this process until all the meatball mix is formed into little balls of goodness.
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the two tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is hot, add the meatballs to the skillet in batches, browning them until they are fully cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
Using the same skillet, whisk in the flour with the remaining butter and cook it for about a minute. Then, slowly whisk in the beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for about five minutes or until it thickens slightly. Don’t forget to season the sauce with a little more salt and pepper to taste—this will elevate the flavors!
While the sauce is simmering, take a separate pot of boiling water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to drain it once it’s done cooking, and set it aside. This pasta will soak up all that creamy goodness!
After thickening the sauce, gently toss in the cooked pasta and browned meatballs into the skillet, ensuring they are nicely coated with your delicious sauce.
Now it’s time to transfer everything into the greased baking dish. Spread the pasta and meatball mixture evenly in the dish and top it off with the shredded mozzarella cheese, making sure to cover the entire surface.
To bake, cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After this, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Take a moment to breathe in that wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!
Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy this warm dish hot, and watch it disappear from your table!
Variations
This Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake recipe is versatile and allows for numerous variations. Here are some ideas to give your dish a unique touch:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the meat for plant-based ground meat alternatives. This can give you the same texture while keeping it meat-free.
- Cheese Flavors: Experiment with different cheeses such as gouda, cheddar, or a mix for a melodic cheese experience.
- Add Vegetables: Consider adding veggies like peas, spinach, or bell peppers to enhance the nutrition factor while adding pops of color and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper or chili flakes for a bit of heat, making this dish a delightful spicy twist.
Cooking Notes
As you prepare this heartwarming meal, keeping a few helpful tips in mind can make all the difference:
- Cooking Time: Ensure your meatballs are thoroughly cooked; an internal temperature of 160°F is ideal.
- Kitchen Tools: A large skillet, mixing bowl, and a baking dish are essential. Having measuring cups handy can help keep your proportions correct.
- Pasta Cooking: Always add salt to the pasta water for flavor, and ensure it’s drained well so your dish doesn’t end up watery.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the dish earlier and refrigerate it before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for longer preservation.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake, consider these delicious pairings:
- Serve with a fresh side salad—try a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
- Garlic bread or crusty dinner rolls go perfectly alongside to help soak up that creamy sauce.
- A sprinkle of grated parmesan on top adds a delightful tang and enhances the overall flavor.
Tips
- Assemble the dish early in the day and refrigerate until ready to bake for easy dinner prep!
- Always sauté meatballs until they’re browned on all sides for deeper flavor.
- Don’t rush the simmering of the sauce; taking your time allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning at each step to ensure the best flavor possible.
- Feel free to add more herbs and spices depending on your flavor preference!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories: 580 per serving
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 820mg
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
No problem! You can prepare it in advance, assemble it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.
2. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! After baking and cooling, you can store them in an airtight container and freeze them. Just reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.
3. What pasta shape works best?
Penne or rotini are great choices as their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly, but feel free to use any pasta you enjoy!
4. How can I add more flavor to the sauce?
Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary while it simmers to enhance the flavor profile of your sauce.
5. Is there a way to lighten this recipe?
You can use lean ground meat or substitute Greek yogurt for heavy cream to reduce calories while still achieving a creamy texture.
Conclusion
In summary, our Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is a delightful fusion of flavors and comfort that’s sure to become a staple in your regular dinner rotation. Its creamy texture loaded with tender meatballs and pasta makes it a dish everyone will enjoy. We encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments below after you’ve tried it! Did you tweak any ingredients or make it your own? We’d love to hear about your variations. If you enjoyed this recipe, do share it with your friends and family so they can join in on this mouthwatering experience. Happy cooking!
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Delicious Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
If you're looking for a comforting and satisfying family meal, look no further than our Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork (optional)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Stir in the breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and onion. Mix well until fully combined, then roll into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt butter. Add meatballs in batches and cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, whisk in flour and cook for about a minute. Then, whisk in beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for about five minutes until thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, drain and set aside.
- Gently toss cooked pasta and meatballs in the skillet with the sauce to coat.
- Transfer to the greased baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let sit for a few minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
You can prepare it in advance and refrigerate it before baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Protein: 30 g