Name: Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 1 and 1/4 cups plain panko bread crumbs; 4 tablespoons butter; 2/3 cup yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 teaspoons salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 2/3 cup milk; 2 eggs; 1 pound ground beef (85/15); 1 pound ground pork; 3 tablespoons oil; 2 cups shell pasta; 6 tablespoons butter; 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 4 cups beef broth; 1/2 cup water; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe

Cozy, creamy, and endlessly comforting, this Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is the ultimate twist on classic comfort food. Imagine juicy, spiced homemade meatballs nestled in a bed of tender pasta shells, all blanketed in a rich, velvety sauce that tastes like your favorite Swedish meatball dinner—only now, it’s an irresistible, bubbling bake. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a new family favorite, this dish delivers everything you love about Swedish cuisine in one gloriously cheesy, crave-worthy casserole.

Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake lies in its balance of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and flavorful upgrades. Each element adds a layer of taste, color, or rich texture to create a dinner that’ll have everyone scraping their plates clean.

Panko bread crumbs: These help bind the homemade meatballs and keep them super tender inside.
Butter: The foundation for both the meatballs and sauce, adding a creamy richness you can’t skip.
Yellow onion, finely chopped: Delivers aromatic sweetness and a subtle golden color.
Salt and pepper: Simple, but essential for coaxing out all those warm, savory flavors.
Ground allspice & nutmeg: Classic Swedish spice pairing, giving the meatballs their signature flavor.
Garlic, minced: For deep savory notes in every bite.
Milk: Softens the bread crumbs and adds moisture to the meatball mixture.
Eggs: Help everything hold together perfectly.
Ground beef (85/15): Gives the meatballs body, richness, and classic flavor.
Ground pork: Pairs with beef for juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meatballs.
Oil: For browning the meatballs to golden perfection.
Shell pasta: The perfect bite-size shape to capture all that creamy sauce.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce into a luscious, cling-to-your-fork consistency.
Beef broth (low sodium): Makes that creamy sauce taste deeply savory and soulful.
Water: Keeps the sauce light and velvety.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds an umami punch and subtle tang in the background.
Fresh parsley, finely chopped: Sprinkles of freshness and color in every bite.
Heavy cream: The key to a truly decadent sauce!

How to Make Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

Step 1: Make the Flavor Base

Start by softening the onion, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in melted butter—the aroma alone sets the stage for the Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake. Add garlic at the end for a burst of flavor, then blend this mixture with milk and panko bread crumbs to create a plush, savory base that’ll keep your meatballs unbelievably moist.

Step 2: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

Let the onion mixture cool a moment, then combine it with eggs, ground beef, and ground pork. It’s hands-on work, but mixing by hand is the best way to get all those flavors combined just right. Shape the mixture into roughly 30 golf ball–sized meatballs and give them a chilling session in the fridge—this helps them stay perfectly round while they cook.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

In batches, brown the chilled meatballs in a skillet with a bit of oil, turning them gently to ensure golden color all the way around. This not only locks in flavor, it also gets you those irresistible caramelized edges that make Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake so special.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While those beautiful meatballs cool, boil your shell pasta just to al dente; this helps it maintain bite after baking. Drain it well and scatter evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish, forming the perfect pasta nest for your meatballs.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

Melt more butter in a skillet, then stir in flour to create a quick roux—the magic thickening agent for creamy sauces. Gradually whisk in beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, simmering until the sauce is smooth and fragrant. Stir in the parsley and rich cream at the end for color and silkiness, letting it thicken into the kind of sauce you’ll want to eat by the spoonful.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Tuck those golden meatballs nestled into the prepared pasta. Pour the silky sauce all over, making sure every nook and cranny is coated. Slide the baking dish into a 375-degree F oven and bake for about 30 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top—the hallmark of a perfect Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake!

How to Serve Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

Garnishes

Sprinkle your piping hot Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake with a handful of freshly chopped parsley or dill for a pop of color and a little fresh flavor. For a decadent finish, try grating a touch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese right over the top before serving.

Side Dishes

Keep things cozy with sides like roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, or simple buttered peas. For a Swedish-inspired touch, serve it with cucumber salad or tangy lingonberry preserves—the perfect balance for the richness of the pasta bake.

Creative Ways to Present

Portion out your Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake in deep bowls for ultimate comfort-food vibes, or serve on a large platter family-style so everyone can help themselves. For parties, scoop individual servings into ramekins or mini cocottes—adorable and impressive for guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors meld beautifully, and it reheats like a dream.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, let the casserole cool completely and wrap tightly, or portion into airtight containers. It’ll keep well for up to three months, making future dinners a total breeze.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if it looks dry. To revive the whole bake, cover with foil and warm in a 350-degree F oven until heated through and bubbly once more.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs in advance?

Yes! You can prep and shape the meatballs up to a day in advance and keep them chilled until you’re ready to brown and bake for your Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake.

Can this be made with turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork?

Absolutely, ground turkey or chicken will work nicely; just keep in mind the flavor will be milder, so season a touch more generously for your Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake.

Is there a way to lighten up the sauce?

You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. The sauce will be a bit lighter but still creamy and delicious in your Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Definitely! Shells are classic because they hold sauce so well, but penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni will all work beautifully in this Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake.

How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking when I bake everything?

Boil the pasta only until al dente—it will finish cooking as the Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake bakes in the oven, giving you perfect texture instead of mushy noodles.

Final Thoughts

If you love comfort food that warms you from the inside out, you owe it to yourself to try this Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake. It’s hearty, crowd-pleasing, and truly greater than the sum of its parts. Whip it up soon and discover why this twist on a classic might just become your new weeknight hero!