Looking for a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion? Try this Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake recipe! It’s a flavorful and hearty dish that’s easy to make and will surely become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of tender meatballs, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta creates a mouthwatering flavor profile.
- With simple ingredients and easy prep steps, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or for meal prep ahead of time.
Ingredient Notes:
- Panko Bread Crumbs: Adds a crispy texture to the meatballs.
- Salted Butter: Provides richness and flavor to the sauce.
- Sweet Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness to the dish.
- All Spice and Nutmeg: Infuse warm and aromatic flavors.
- Ground Meat: Beef, pork, or venison work well in this recipe.
- Shell Pasta: Holds the sauce and meatballs perfectly.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a creamy and indulgent sauce.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of freshness to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook butter, onion, spices, and garlic until fragrant.
- Add milk, simmer, then mix with breadcrumbs and let cool.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, add ground meat, and breadcrumb mixture.
- Shape into meatballs and chill.
- Preheat oven and cook pasta until al dente.
- Brown meatballs in batches, then set aside.
- Make the sauce by cooking butter, flour, broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, and cream.
- Pour sauce over meatballs and pasta in a casserole dish.
- Bake until bubbly and garnish with parsley before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a dash of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce.
- Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet when browning the meatballs for even cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a combination of meats for a more complex flavor profile.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick of heat.
- Let the meatball mixture rest in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal. Serve with a glass of red wine or a refreshing iced tea.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use store-bought meatballs instead of making them from scratch?
- While homemade meatballs provide the best flavor, you can use store-bought meatballs if needed.
- Can I freeze this dish for later?
- Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Conclusion:
Try this Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, this dish is a winner for any occasion. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious homemade meal that will warm your heart and soul.
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Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Description
A comforting dish combining the flavors of Swedish meatballs with pasta in a creamy sauce, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1½ cups Panko Bread Crumbs
- 1½ sticks Salted Butter (12 Tbsp)
- 1 Medium Sweet Onion, diced
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- ½ tsp All Spice
- ¼ tsp Nutmeg
- 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
- ⅔ cup Whole Milk
- 2 Large Eggs
- 2 lb Ground Meat (Beef, pork, or venison)
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 cups Shell Pasta
- ½ cup Flour (All purpose)
- 5 cups Beef Broth
- ½ cup Water
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- ½ cup Heavy Cream
- 1 tbsp Chopped fresh Parsley
Instructions
- In a medium sized mixing bowl add the breadcrumbs and set aside.…
- In a skillet add ½ stick of butter (4Tbsp) then add the diced onion…
…
Notes
- Use a combination of beef, pork, or venison for a unique flavor.
- Refrigerate meatballs before baking for better shape retention.