Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake: A Comforting, Cheesy Casserole

Name: Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake: A Comforting, Cheesy Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: Ground beef; Breadcrumbs; Egg; Garlic powder; Onion powder; Salt and black pepper; Butter; All-purpose flour; Beef broth; Heavy cream; Worcestershire sauce; Dijon mustard; Pasta (penne or fusilli); Shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped

Author: rodrigo Stone

Published: August 5, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you love the rich, creamy flavors of traditional Swedish meatballs and the heartiness of a baked pasta dish, this Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is about to become your new favorite comfort food. Imagine tender meatballs nestled into perfectly cooked pasta, all smothered in a luscious, savory cream sauce and topped with golden, melted cheese. This dish takes the cozy familiarity of Swedish meatballs and transforms it into a family-style casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even holiday gatherings.

This recipe draws inspiration from classic Swedish cuisine—think creamy gravies, flavorful ground meats, and warm spices—while adding the practicality of a baked pasta dish. It’s an easy, make-ahead meal that’s both impressive and comforting, making it ideal for busy families who still want that “homemade with love” feeling.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

1 lb (450g) ground beef
½ lb (225g) ground pork
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 small onion, finely grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)

For the Pasta and Sauce:

12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rotini work well)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ cup sour cream
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, garlic, allspice, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing can make meatballs dense. Shape into small, bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter).

2. Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5–6 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage as they’ll finish cooking in the bake. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions (it will cook further in the oven). Drain and set aside.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet used for meatballs, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. Slowly add beef broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and simmer until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Assemble the Pasta Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, combine cooked pasta, meatballs, and creamy sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

6. Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips for Perfect Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

Mix of Meats: Combining beef and pork gives authentic Swedish flavor and tenderness.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Keeping pasta slightly undercooked prevents mushiness.
Even Browning: Brown meatballs in batches to ensure they get a nice crust.
Extra Creaminess: Stir in an extra dollop of sour cream after baking for richer texture.
Cheese Choices: Try Gruyère or Fontina cheese for a more gourmet twist.

Delicious Variations

Chicken or Turkey: Swap out beef and pork for lighter meats.
Vegetarian Version: Use meatless meatballs or roasted mushrooms.
Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, peas, or spinach for extra nutrients.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of heat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

What to Serve with Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

Pairing sides with this dish makes it even more satisfying:

Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli work perfectly.
Garlic Bread: Ideal for soaking up every bit of the creamy sauce.
Lingonberry Jam: A traditional Swedish accompaniment that adds a sweet-tart contrast.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Freezing: Freeze the unbaked pasta bake for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Nutritional Benefits

While this dish is indulgent, it offers balanced nutrition:

Protein: Meatballs provide high-quality protein for muscle maintenance.
Healthy Fats: Cream and cheese deliver energy and essential fatty acids.
Calcium: Cheese and sour cream offer bone-strengthening calcium.
Iron: Beef adds a boost of iron to support red blood cell production.
Vegetable Add-ins: Incorporating vegetables increases fiber and vitamin content.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes, for convenience, you can use pre-cooked or frozen meatballs. Just thaw and add them to the sauce.

2. What’s the best pasta shape for this bake?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni holds the creamy sauce and meatballs well.

3. Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based cream, cheese, and sour cream alternatives.

4. How do I prevent a watery sauce?

Make sure to whisk the roux thoroughly and simmer the sauce until thickened before combining with pasta.

5. Can this dish be made in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can assemble and cook it on low heat for 3–4 hours, then top with cheese before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying.
Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Make-Ahead: Easy to prep and bake later.
Versatile: Can be adapted to different meats, cheeses, and diets.
Impressive: Perfect for dinner parties or weeknight comfort food.

Conclusion

Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is a dish that brings cozy, homestyle comfort to your dinner table. With tender meatballs, rich creamy sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and bubbling cheese, every bite feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re feeding a large family or looking for a freezer-friendly make-ahead meal, this recipe checks all the boxes for flavor, convenience, and crowd-pleasing appeal.

Next time you crave a hearty baked pasta dish, skip the usual lasagna and try this Swedish-inspired twist—you’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.