Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake made with beef & pork meatballs with fantastic seasoning in a creamy, beefy sauce served over hot noodles and cheese!
This hearty and flavorful meatball pasta bake combines tender meatballs, rich sauce, al dente noodles, and gooey melted cheese. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation process, this casserole is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. This Swedish meatball sauce recipe creates a comforting dish that warms the soul.
Ingredients for Pasta Bake with Meatballs
Homemade Meatballs*
Beef: You will need a ½ pound of ground beef for one of the main proteins in this dish.
Pork: Use ½ pound of ground pork to combine with the beef and create flavorful meatballs.
Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meat mixture by adding ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs.
Egg: 1 large egg, beaten, will give the meatballs great texture and taste too.
Salt: Add 1 teaspoon of salt to help enhance the flavors in the meatballs.
Onion powder: For a subtle sweet taste, use ½ teaspoon of onion powder.
Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon of garlic powder will give the meat mixture a nice earthy flavor.
Pepper: Adding ½ teaspoon of ground pepper gives the meat a bit of spicy kick.
Nutmeg: For a nutty, earthy taste, use ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg in this recipe.
*Note: To save time, you can substitute 1 lb. of frozen meatballs in place of the homemade ones. This quickens the assembly process up; however, you still do need to warm them up before assembling the casserole.
Casserole
Pasta: You will need 12-ounces of wide egg noodles for the base of this pasta dish.
Butter: Create a rich tasting sauce by using 4 TBSP of unsalted butter.
Flour: Help thicken the sauce by adding ¼ cup of all-purpose flour to the mixture.
Beef broth: The base of the sauce is 3 cups beef broth.
Heavy cream: Adding 1 cup of heavy cream will make the sauce rich and creamy.
Worcestershire sauce: Use 1 TBSP of Worcestershire sauce for a tangy, salty, and sweet flavor, with a spicy kick!
Salt & pepper: For a bit more flavor, add in ½ teaspoon of both salt and pepper.
Cheese: You need 1 ½ cup of Swiss cheese, grated and divided, for cheesy goodness throughout this dish.
Parsley: If desired, garnish the finished casserole with a sprinkling of parsley.
Serving and Storage Suggestions for Meatball Pasta
To store leftover Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake, allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps it fresh.
- Refrigeration: It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Be sure to reheat portions in the oven or microwave until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Freezing: For longer storage, this dish freezes well. Portion it into smaller containers before freezing, which makes reheating easier. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake
Ingredients
Homemade Meatballs*
- ½ lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground pepper
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Casserole
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 4 TBSP unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ cups swiss cheese grated, divided
- Parsley for serving
Instructions
- Meatballs: Heat the oven to 350°F. Spray a large cookie sheet with non-stick spray.
- Combine all the meatball ingredients. Use an ice cream scoop or tablespoon and use 2 tablespoons worth of the mixture and roll into meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes.
- Casserole: While the meatballs are baking, cook the noodles al dente according to the package directions, making sure not to overcook them. Drain well and set them aside.
- Sauce: Melt the butter in a pan and stir in the flour. Whisk the broth and heavy cream into the flour, then add the Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper and simmer until it begins to thicken about 4 to 5 minutes. Add a cup of the cheese and stir until melted.
- Assemble: Place the noodles in a 9×13-inch pan or a 2 quart casserole dish, then pour the sauce over the noodles and stir until combined. Add the meatballs and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Place in the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
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Substitutions for Swedish Meatball Dish
The ingredients required for Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake offer flexibility for customization. Substitutions can accommodate dietary needs or personal preferences. To modify the recipe, consider these main ingredients:
- Meatballs: Use beef, turkey, or vegetarian meatballs. Frozen options can save time. If you enjoy Ikea Meatballs, we have a delightful copycat recipe here!
- Pasta: Any pasta shape works, such as penne, fusilli, or egg noodles. Gluten-free pasta is an option for dietary restrictions.
- Sauce: A homemade cream sauce can replace store-bought varieties. Dairy-free alternatives can be made using almond or coconut milk.
- Cheese: Sour cream, cream cheese, or Greek yogurt can be substituted to adjust creaminess.
What can I substitute for egg noodles in a meatball pasta bake?
Pasta alternatives include penne, fusilli, or rotini. Gluten-free pasta options can also work well, providing a similar texture.
Can I use a different type of cheese for this pasta bake?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda can replace traditional cheeses. Each type will offer a unique flavor profile to the dish.
Side dishes that complement a Swedish meatball pasta bake
Serve this pasta dish alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. Garlic bread can also enhance the meal’s comfort food appeal.
Can I make this meatball pasta bake ahead of time and freeze it?
Yes, the dish can be prepared in advance and frozen. Store it airtight and bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
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Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is a delightful twist on classic comfort food, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. This meatball pasta dish brings together tender meatballs, creamy sauce, cheesy goodness, and satisfying noodles.
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