Description
This Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is a comforting, savory dish combining tender homemade Swedish meatballs with rotini pasta, all smothered in a creamy Parmesan-infused sauce. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s an excellent family-friendly meal that brings classic flavors together with an easy one-dish approach.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all flavors.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until nicely browned and fully cooked through.
- Cook Pasta: While meatballs bake, cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Cook for about 1 minute to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, then add heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with additional salt and pepper to taste for a rich, creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta, Meatballs, and Sauce: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, gently toss together the cooked pasta, baked meatballs, and creamy sauce until everything is well coated.
- Bake Pasta Bake: If desired, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top, then bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and hot throughout.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Meatballs can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking to save time.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
- If you like, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a mild kick.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
