This Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake combines the comforting flavors of traditional Swedish meatballs with the heartiness of a baked pasta dish. The creamy, velvety sauce infused with warm spices like nutmeg and allspice pairs perfectly with tender pasta and juicy meatballs. Topped with gooey melted cheese, this dish is a crowd-pleasing, family-friendly meal that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bake:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated onion, garlic, egg, milk, salt, nutmeg, allspice, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
- Cook the Pasta:
- While the meatballs bake, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps form. Add the heavy cream and Dijon mustard, stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, baked meatballs, and sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake the assembled dish in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy this hearty and comforting dish!
