Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake: Comfort Food at Its Best

This Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together tender meatballs, rich creamy gravy, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. It’s inspired by the traditional Swedish ‘köttbullar’ but takes it up a notch by transforming it into a delightful pasta bake. Whether you’re serving a family dinner or hosting friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress!

Quick Benefits

This pasta bake is an all-in-one meal that’s comforting, filling, and absolutely delicious. The combination of homemade Swedish meatballs, creamy gravy, and cheesy pasta makes it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Essential Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 ounces dried bowtie pasta
• 2 1/2 cups lower sodium beef broth
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Lemon wedges for serving

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 7×11-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, lightly beat the egg. Add bread crumbs, onion, milk, salt, nutmeg, allspice, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
3. Add ground beef and combine thoroughly. Shape into meatballs (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each).
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs on all sides (about 8 minutes). They will finish cooking in the oven.
5. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
6. Nestle the browned meatballs atop the cooked pasta.
7. In the same skillet, pour in beef broth and bring to a boil while scraping browned bits from the bottom. Add whipping cream and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until slightly thickened (about 6-8 minutes).
8. Pour the sauce over meatballs and pasta. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
9. Uncover, sprinkle with Gruyere cheese, and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish with fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon before serving.

Health Benefits

This dish provides a good balance of protein from the meatballs and carbohydrates from the pasta, while the Gruyere cheese adds calcium and the dill provides a burst of freshness. The beef broth adds a savory richness without being overly heavy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake hot from the oven, garnished with fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon. Pair it with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal.

Creative Variations

• Cheesy Twist: Use mozzarella or cheddar instead of Gruyere for a different cheesy flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute meatballs with vegetarian meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy for a touch of heat.
• Mushroom Gravy: Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy, hearty touch.

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Pro Tips

• Use high-quality ground beef for flavorful and tender meatballs.
• Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender.
• Allow the sauce to thicken slightly before pouring it over the pasta and meatballs to ensure a creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Penne or fusilli work great in place of bowtie pasta.

Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, freeze the baked dish in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.

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