Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake: Comfort Food at Its Best

Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender, flavorful meatballs with creamy gravy and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. Topped with melted Gruyere cheese and fresh dill, this dish brings together the rich, classic taste of Swedish “köttbullar” with the convenience of a baked pasta casserole. It’s the ultimate family-friendly comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings.

  • Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

Scale

  • 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

Instructions

  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.

  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Casserole, Comfort Food
  • Cuisine: Swedish, American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 575 per serving