Name: Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 30 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 (low sodium); 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· 4.8 from 146 reviews

If you love hearty comfort food with a luxurious twist, then this Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe is about to become your new weeknight obsession! Imagine perfectly seasoned meatballs nestled among tender pasta shells, smothered in a rich, creamy gravy—every bite is pure nostalgia with a dash of indulgence. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or just want leftovers worth swooning over, this dish will have everyone rushing to the table. Trust me, you’ll want a second helping before your plate is even empty.

Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe so irresistible? It’s all about those simple ingredients, working together to create layers of flavor, irresistible texture, and a picture-perfect golden bake. Gather these pantry and fridge staples, and you’re well on your way to a crowd-pleasing meal!

Panko Bread Crumbs: These give your meatballs a light, tender texture and help bind the mixture together.
Butter: Essential for both the meatballs and gravy, lending richness and depth to the dish.
Yellow Onion: Finely chopped, it brings aromatic sweetness and subtle flavor to the meatballs.
Salt: Balances and amplifies all the savory elements in every layer of the bake.
Pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth to both the meatball seasoning and the sauce.
Ground Allspice: The signature Swedish touch, this spice gives your meatballs a distinct Scandinavian flair.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch provides gentle warmth and depth.
Garlic: Minced for a fragrant, mouthwatering base.
Milk: Helps moisten the breadcrumbs and gives your meatballs a soft, luscious texture.
Eggs: The key to binding everything together and guaranteeing meatball perfection.
Ground Beef (85/15): For savory, juicy flavor—don’t use anything too lean!
Ground Pork: Adds richness and a classic Swedish meatball taste.
Oil: Helps brown the meatballs and creates that irresistible crust.
Shell Pasta: The perfect pasta shape for catching bits of sauce and meatball goodness.
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of your creamy gravy, making it thick and luscious.
Beef Broth (low sodium): Deepens the flavor of your sauce without being too salty.
Water: Gives your sauce just the right consistency.
Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of umami magic (start small—you can always add more).
Fresh Parsley: Provides color, warmth, and bright freshness to finish the sauce.
Heavy Cream: For that velvety, rich finish that sets this bake apart from the rest.

How to Make Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by adding your panko bread crumbs to a large bowl—these will soak up all sorts of flavor soon! In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter, then sauté onion, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg until fragrant and golden. Stir in the garlic and cook a bit longer, then pour in the milk, letting it all simmer gently. Pour this aromatic mixture over the panko and give it a good stir; this is where the magic really builds. Let this cool off before moving forward.

Step 2: Form and Chill the Meatballs

Now, in an extra-large bowl, beat those eggs until smooth, then add the ground beef, pork, and the completely cooled onion-panko blend. Roll up your sleeves—this is a hands-on job (literally)! Gently mix until just combined, then form about 30 meatballs. Arrange them on a tray so they’re not crowded, and pop them in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes. Chilling helps them hold together beautifully when cooked.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm up your oil. Brown the meatballs in batches so they develop a rich exterior—aim for about 15 minutes or until all sides are gorgeously golden. This method ensures every bite of your Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe is chock full of flavor and juiciness. Once browned, set the meatballs aside on a plate while you prep the rest.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While your meatballs are chilling (or browning if you multitask like me), bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your shell pasta to al dente perfection. Drain it well and tumble it straight into a 9 by 13 inch oven-safe baking dish. Pasta shells are perfect—they’ll cradle bits of meatball and sauce in every spoonful.

Step 5: Assemble for Baking

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, because this bake is almost ready for its grand finale. Nestle the browned meatballs gently into the shell pasta—make sure each meatball has its own cozy little spot. This step ensures every serving has that perfect balance of protein and carbs.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Gravy Sauce

Melt butter in a large skillet, sprinkle in the flour, and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes until it turns the color of pale sand. Whisk in beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper; keep stirring until the sauce simmers and thickens. Lower the heat and stir in parsley and heavy cream, cooking until it’s silky and coats the back of a spoon—this usually takes about 10 minutes. Taste and adjust the salt and Worcestershire to your liking (start small; add more if you crave punchier flavor).

Step 7: Bake and Enjoy!

Pour the dreamy sauce evenly over the pasta and meatballs, making sure every nook is covered. Pop the whole dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until bubbling and golden around the edges. The heavenly aroma will bring everyone into the kitchen!

How to Serve Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a vibrant, herby contrast to the rich bake. You can also grate a little nutmeg over the top for a classic Swedish finish, or add some freshly cracked black pepper for extra zip. If you want to go all out, a dusting of Parmesan delivers a hint of cheesy decadence.

Side Dishes

Keep it cozy and traditional! Serve Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe with buttery garlic bread, a crisp green salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette, or even classic pickled cucumbers. If you’re feeling bold, lingonberry sauce adds a sweet-tart edge that brings out all those hearty, savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings, serve straight from the baking dish for that everyone-digs-in vibe. Hosting a fancier dinner? You can portion the bake into individual ramekins before baking for personalized servings. Kids love it “deconstructed”—a pile of pasta, a meatball or two, and plenty of creamy gravy to drizzle themselves. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh greens or edible flowers for a festive touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply transfer them to an airtight container once completely cooled. This Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it great for lunches or those “what’s for dinner?” emergencies.

Freezing

Want to plan ahead? You sure can! Let the bake cool completely, then store individual servings (or the whole batch) in freezer-safe containers. It will keep its flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, cover and bake in a 350 degree oven until hot and bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes for a large portion or 10 minutes for individual servings. You can also use the microwave for individual portions—just cover and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen if needed.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and brown the meatballs a day in advance, then assemble and bake the entire dish right before serving. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze.

What kind of pasta works best for Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe?

Shell pasta is ideal because it cradles all that luscious sauce and tiny bits of meatball, but penne or rigatoni work great too. Just aim for a sturdy shape that’ll stand up to baking.

How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Chilling the formed meatballs for 30 minutes before browning is critical! This step helps them hold their shape as they cook, ensuring each one is tender yet sturdy.

Can I use store-bought meatballs instead?

If you’re in a pinch, you can use high-quality frozen or pre-cooked meatballs. Just be sure to brown them in a skillet for a few minutes to boost flavor before adding to the bake.

Is it possible to make this Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe dairy-free?

Definitely! Use your favorite plant-based milk and substitute vegan butter and non-dairy cream for the sauce. The result will still be creamy and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort with a bit of tradition and a whole lot of flavor, the Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe has you covered. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make on repeat—hearty, homey, and always a hit. Give it a try and watch everyone go back for seconds!