Description
If you’re looking for a cozy, creamy, and satisfying dish that brings together rich flavor and homestyle comfort, this Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake checks all the boxes. It’s perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends when you want a quick dinner without sacrificing taste. Packed with juicy meatballs, tender pasta, and a luxurious creamy sauce, this easy recipe is one of those reliable food ideas that work for family dinners, meal prep, or even dinner parties. Whether you’re browsing for dinner ideas or in need of a hearty, warm meal, this is a top-tier choice for your rotation of easy recipes.
Ingredients
20–24 meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
12 oz pasta (shells, rotini, or egg noodles)
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. If using frozen meatballs, brown them in a pan until golden. If using homemade, cook through and set aside.
2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in beef broth. Simmer until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in heavy cream, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer until creamy.
6. In a large bowl or baking dish, mix cooked pasta, meatballs, and sauce until well coated.
7. Transfer everything into a baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella.
8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley if using. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Always undercook your pasta slightly so it doesn’t become mushy while baking.
Brown the meatballs for extra flavor even if they’re pre-cooked.
Taste the sauce before baking to adjust seasoning perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of bake
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg