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Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

Creamy Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake for Cozy Nights

Hearty Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is a comforting, creamy dish combining meatballs and pasta, perfect for cozy nights.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Swedish
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Or ground turkey for a lighter option
  • 1/2 cup Bread Crumbs Use gluten-free bread crumbs for gluten-free option
  • 1/4 cup Milk Substitute with dairy-free milk if needed
  • 1 medium Onion Diced, or shallots for a unique twist
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can intensify the taste
  • 1 tsp Allspice Mix nutmeg and cinnamon for a quick substitute
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Flour Cornstarch is a great gluten-free alternative
  • 2 cups Beef Broth Chicken or vegetable broth can be used
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce Start small and adjust to taste
For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Pasta Larger pasta shapes hold the sauce well, making it hearty
Optional Toppings
  • 1 cup Cheese Sprinkle on top before baking for extra flavor

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • skillet
  • large pot
  • medium saucepan
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, diced onions, garlic powder, and allspice. Mix well until fully integrated, then form the mixture into small meatballs, about one inch in diameter. Chill the meatballs in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help them firm up.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Once hot, carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate and set aside.
  3. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and reserve a cup of the pasta water, then set the pasta aside in the pot to keep warm.
  4. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until foamy. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Gradually add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  5. Lower the heat and fold the cooked meatballs into the thickened sauce, gently ensuring they are well-coated. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture and toss to combine. If the mixture seems dry, you can add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. If desired, sprinkle cheese on top. Bake in the oven for approximately 20-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
  7. Once out of the oven, let the dish cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Serve alongside a crisp salad or crusty bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 20mg

Notes

Serve with a crisp side salad or crusty bread for absorbing the delectable sauce.

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