Swedish meatball pasta bake

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or mix with pork/turkey)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup milk

• 1 egg

• ½ small onion, grated or finely minced

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp allspice

• ½ tsp nutmeg

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp oil or butter (for browning)

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or egg noodles work great)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp flour

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, adds depth)

• 1–1½ cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, gouda, or a mix)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Chopped parsley (for garnish)

 Instructions:

1. Make the Meatballs:

• In a bowl, mix all meatball ingredients (except oil).

• Form into small balls (~1 inch).

• Brown in a skillet with oil over medium heat until golden on all sides (they don’t need to cook through — they’ll finish baking).

• Set aside.

2. Cook Pasta:

• Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce:

• In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux (about 1 minute).

• Slowly whisk in beef broth, then cream.

• Add Worcestershire, mustard, salt, and pepper.

• Simmer until slightly thickened (5–7 minutes). Adjust seasoning as needed.

4. Assemble the Bake:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• In a greased 9×13″ baking dish, combine pasta, meatballs, and sauce. Toss gently to coat.

• Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.

5. Bake:

• Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

• Broil for 2–3 minutes if you want a browned cheesy top.

6. Serve:

• Garnish with parsley and enjoy warm!

Tips:

• Use frozen meatballs for a shortcut — just thaw and sear before baking.

• Make ahead: Assemble the whole dish and refrigerate, then bake when ready (add ~10 minutes to bake time).

• Goes great with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

Would you like a one-skillet version, gluten-free option, or mushroom gravy twist? Just let me know!