Delight in the cozy flavors of our Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake, featuring tender homemade meatballs, creamy sauce, and cheesy egg noodles. A perfect blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and spices makes each bite a comforting experience.
Every family has that one recipe that brings everyone rushing to the dinner table, and for us, it's the Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake. Growing up in a chilly town, where winter seemed endless, my mother found ways to fill our home with warmth and delicious aromas. This recipe became a cherished tradition after she tried a version at a local Swedish festival. She tweaked it, adding her own touch with extra garlic and a hearty dose of Swiss cheese. Now, whenever I miss home, I whip up this dish, and it's like I'm back in my mom's kitchen, watching the snow fall outside while the oven gently hums.
Why You'll Love This Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake
This Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake isn't just another casserole—it's a testament to home-cooked perfection:
- Homemade Meatballs: Hand-rolled and seasoned with nutmeg and garlic, these meatballs are the heart of the dish.
- Rich, Creamy Sauce: Made in the same pan used to brown the meatballs, our sauce uses beef broth and heavy cream to capture all the delicious, caramelized flavors.
- Cheesy Goodness: Topped with a generous layer of Swiss cheese, this bake is gooey, golden, and gratifying.
- Efficient Cooking: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights but special enough for weekend gatherings.
Ingredients Notes
Our Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake combines simple, quality ingredients for a dish that's bursting with flavor. Here's what you need to know:
- Ground Beef: Choose a higher fat content for juicier meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: These help hold the meatballs together and add a subtle texture.
- Heavy Cream: This is the secret to the sauce's luxurious consistency. Don't skimp!
- Swiss Cheese: Its mild yet distinct flavor melts beautifully, pulling the dish together.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle adds a pop of color and fresh flavor, enhancing the dish aesthetically and gastronomically.
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How To Make This Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake
Let's make your kitchen warm and welcoming with our Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake:
- Start by preheating your oven and prepping your baking dish.
- Combine your meatball ingredients—ground beef, breadcrumbs, and spices—and form them into balls.
- Brown these in a skillet, then set aside.
- Use the same skillet to start your sauce, adding broth and cream to pick up all the flavorful bits left from the meatballs.
- Boil your noodles just shy of done—they'll finish in the oven.
- Combine noodles, meatballs, and sauce in your dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
The result? A creamy, savory bake that's sure to comfort.
Storage Options
To keep enjoying your Swedish Meatball Bake throughout the week, let it cool completely before covering it with aluminum foil or transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to make it your own:
- Meat Options: Swap ground beef for turkey or pork for a different flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
- Spice Levels: Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture if you like a bit of heat. By adjusting these components, you can cater to various dietary preferences and spice tolerances, making this dish a crowd-pleaser every time.
Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg beaten
- ½ onion finely grated
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Casserole:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 ½ cups egg noodles
- 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese grated
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preparation of the Baking Environment: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Utilize nonstick spray to grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Formation of Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated onion, nutmeg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Scoop the mixture in amounts of 1 ½ tablespoons and roll into balls.
- Cooking of Meatballs: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the meatballs to the skillet, browning them on all sides. Note that they will not be fully cooked at this stage. Remove the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
- Preparation of Noodles: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the egg noodles for 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest to avoid overcooking, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Sauce Creation: In the same skillet used for the meatballs, add beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits that have stuck to the bottom of the pan. Allow this mixture to simmer until it thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste and remove from heat.
- Assembly: In the prepared baking dish, spread the partially cooked noodles. Nestle the browned meatballs into the noodles and pour the cream sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the grated Swiss cheese over the sauce.
- Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling.
- Serving: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to enhance the flavor and presentation.
