Creamy, cozy, and loaded with savory goodness, this Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake brings everything we love about classic Swedish meatballs into one bubbling casserole. Imagine tender meatballs tucked into a bed of pasta, wrapped in a rich, spiced cream sauce, then topped with melted cheese that crisps just right in the oven. It’s hearty enough for a family dinner but elegant enough to serve at a cozy gathering.

This bake is the ultimate comfort food fusion—a cross between traditional meatballs and your favorite pasta bake. It combines the warmth of nutmeg and allspice with the richness of beef, the smooth creaminess of the sauce, and the golden finish of a cheesy topping. One bite, and you’ll be hooked.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Short pasta works best here. Think penne, rotini, or rigatoni—anything with ridges that can catch that luscious sauce. Egg noodles are a classic pairing with Swedish meatballs, so they work beautifully too if you’re craving a softer bite.

Ingredients for the Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated onion
1 large egg
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp butter (for frying meatballs)
12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or egg noodles)
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for sauce)
2 tbsp flour
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

How To Make the Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

Combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until just combined. Roll into small balls. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter and cook meatballs in batches until browned on all sides. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet used for the meatballs, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add beef broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Stir in the cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, meatballs, and sauce. Mix gently. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Serving and Storing Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

Serve this pasta bake hot, straight from the oven. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw and bake when you’re ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?

Yes! If you’re short on time, frozen meatballs will work just fine. Just thaw and brown them before combining with the sauce and pasta.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

You can lighten the bake by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, lean ground turkey instead of beef and pork, and reduced-fat cheese.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the entire bake, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.

What can I serve with this?

A fresh cucumber salad or garlic bread rounds out the meal nicely.

Will the sauce thicken as it bakes?

Yes, it will thicken slightly as it bakes, especially with the pasta absorbing some of the liquid. Be sure not to overcook the sauce initially.

Want More Pasta Bake Ideas?

If you love this cozy Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake, you might enjoy these other satisfying pasta creations:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it again when the craving hits: Nina Dishes on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go all traditional with the meatballs or add your own twist? Did the cheese pull just right? I’d love to hear!

Sharing your version helps others discover new spins on a favorite.

Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty, cozy fusion of Swedish meatballs and a cheesy pasta bake. Juicy meatballs in creamy sauce, baked with tender pasta and golden cheese. Perfect for family dinners or special comfort meals.

Instructions

1. Combine beef, pork, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until just combined.

2. Form into meatballs. Brown in 2 tbsp butter over medium heat until golden. Set aside.

3. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook 1 minute. Slowly add beef broth, then stir in cream, Worcestershire, and mustard. Simmer until thickened.

5. Combine pasta, meatballs, and sauce in a bowl. Mix gently.

6. Pour into greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.

7. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

8. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.