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Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake – The Ultimate Comfort Dish


  • Author: rodrigo Stone
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A warm, comforting stew filled with tender homemade meatballs, hearty vegetables, and rich savory broth – perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 large egg

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 carrots, sliced

  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

  • 2 medium potatoes, cubed

  • 4 cups beef broth

  • 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 bay leaf

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley for garnish


Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until combined and shape into 1-inch meatballs.

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides in batches, then set aside.

  • In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.

  • Add potatoes, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

  • Return the browned meatballs to the pot and gently stir into the stew. Cover and simmer for 30–40 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked and vegetables are tender.

  • Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use a combination of beef and pork.

  • A splash of red wine can be added when sautéing vegetables.

  • Stew tastes even better when made a day ahead as flavors deepen.

  • To thicken the stew, stir in a cornstarch slurry before finishing.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes