Description
A comforting Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake combining tender baked meatballs, al dente rotini pasta, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. This hearty casserole is baked until bubbly and golden, perfect for a family dinner that brings together classic flavors in a satisfying one-dish meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta Bake
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Make the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, ground nutmeg, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well until thoroughly combined to ensure flavorful, well-textured meatballs.
- Form and bake meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and carefully place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they are browned on the outside and fully cooked through inside.
- Cook the pasta: While the meatballs bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside to mix later.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Gradually whisk in the beef broth to avoid lumps, then add the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Continue simmering the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens.
- Finish the sauce: Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the thickened sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed, creating a rich and creamy finish to your sauce.
- Combine pasta, meatballs, and sauce: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add the cooked pasta, baked meatballs, and creamy sauce to the dish, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
- Bake the pasta casserole: Optionally sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for a golden crust. Place the dish in the oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly browned.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake!
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken.
- You can prepare the meatballs a day ahead and refrigerate before baking for convenience.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
- Adding a bit of shredded mozzarella on top before baking can create a melty, cheesy crust.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta as it will continue cooking in the oven during the bake.
