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Craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish for dinner? Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is the ultimate Creamy Comfort Pasta, featuring tender meatballs, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce topped with melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this easy-to-make bake combines classic Swedish meatball flavors with cheesy pasta goodness. Serve hot and let Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake warm your heart and home.

Why You’ll Love Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

I absolutely love this Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake because it’s a heartwarming Creamy Comfort Pasta that blends savory meatballs with a luscious, spiced sauce and gooey cheese. The mix of allspice, nutmeg, and Worcestershire sauce gives it that authentic Swedish flavor, while the mozzarella topping adds indulgence. It’s simple to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining, and versatile enough to customize. This dish always brings comfort and smiles to the table.

Ingredients for Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

Here’s what you’ll need for Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake (serves 6):

1 lb ground beef
½ lb ground pork (optional, for enhanced flavor)
1 cup breadcrumbs
½ cup milk
1 egg
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp ground allspice
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ cup finely chopped onion
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp butter
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
12 oz pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

9×13-inch baking dish
Large skillet
Large mixing bowl
Pot for boiling pasta
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredient Tips

Ground Meat: Combine beef and pork for richer flavor; use all beef if preferred.
Pasta: Penne or rotini hold sauce well; fusilli or rigatoni are great substitutes.
Heavy Cream: Swap with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though less rich.
Mozzarella: Freshly shredded melts better; cheddar or provolone can work.
Breadcrumbs: Panko or fresh crumbs ensure tender meatballs.

Directions for Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

Let’s create this delicious Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake!

Preheat and Prep

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, I combine 1 lb ground beef, ½ lb ground pork (if using), 1 cup breadcrumbs, ½ cup milk, 1 egg, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp allspice, ¼ tsp nutmeg, and ¼ cup finely chopped onion.
I mix thoroughly and shape into 1-inch meatballs, about 20–24 total.

Brown the Meatballs

In a large skillet, I melt 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
I brown the meatballs in batches, cooking 5–7 minutes per batch until golden and cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature).
I transfer them to a plate.

Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, I whisk in 2 tbsp flour and cook for 1 minute.
I gradually add 2 cups beef broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, stirring until thickened, about 5 minutes.
I season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the Pasta

In a pot, I cook 12 oz pasta until al dente, per package instructions, then drain and set aside.

Assemble and Bake

I combine the cooked pasta and meatballs with the sauce in the skillet, tossing to coat evenly.
I transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella on top, and cover with foil.
I bake the Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve

I garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot, straight from the oven for maximum warmth and flavor.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~600 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 55g carbs, 25g protein, 30g fat, 2g fiber

Variations

Try these twists on Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake:

Meat Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter Creamy Comfort Pasta.
Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms for a meatless Creamy Comfort Pasta.
Spice Boost: Add ¼ tsp cayenne for a subtle kick.
Cheese Mix: Combine mozzarella with Parmesan or Gouda for extra depth.
Veggie Add-Ins: Stir in spinach or peas for color and nutrition.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ Jiffy Mexican Cornbread Casserole for a comfort food feast.
Serve with a green salad or roasted asparagus for a balanced Creamy Comfort Pasta meal.
Offer at a cozy gathering with lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce on the side.

Storage

I store leftover Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For freezing, I portion the cooled bake into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1–2 months. To reheat, I thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered, for 20–25 minutes until heated through. I add fresh parsley or a splash of cream before serving to refresh the dish.

Serving Tips

Presentation: Serve Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake in the baking dish for a rustic, family-style look.
Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or extra mozzarella for a vibrant touch.
Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of white wine, sparkling water, or iced tea to complement Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake.
Temperature: Serve hot for the best cheesy, creamy texture.
Portion Size: One-sixth of the casserole per person for a satisfying serving.

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:

Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe traditionally calls for a combination of ground beef and optional ground pork, you can customize it to your preferences. Experiment with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute like plant-based crumbles for a different twist.

How can I adjust the seasonings to suit my taste?
Feel free to tweak the seasonings like nutmeg, allspice, salt, and pepper according to your preference for more or less pronounced flavors. Start with the suggested amounts and adjust gradually until it matches your taste.

Can I prepare Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, assemble the pasta bake, top with cheese, and bake as directed. This makes it convenient for busy days or when entertaining guests.

What can I serve with Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake?
For a complete meal, consider serving it with a fresh green salad tossed with vinaigrette dressing or a side of steamed vegetables. Garlic bread or crusty French bread also pairs well to soak up the delicious sauce.

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Conclusion

This Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake recipe combines the best of two worlds: savory meatballs and comforting pasta, all baked to perfection with creamy sauce and melted cheese. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it tonight and treat yourself to a taste of culinary delight!