Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake
Discover the perfect blend of savory flavors in our Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake recipe. Enjoy tender meatballs nestled in a creamy sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting family meal.
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 oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and chopped onion. Mix well and shape into 1-inch meatballs.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs in batches until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Add cooked pasta and meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 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.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy hot!
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste preference. Nutmeg and allspice add a hint of sweetness typical in Swedish meatballs.
- Serve with lingonberry sauce or cranberry sauce for a traditional touch.
- Customize by adding vegetables like peas or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.