Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake
Indulge in a comforting blend of flavors with this Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake. It combines the savory richness of classic Swedish meatballs with the cozy charm of a baked pasta dish, delivering a deliciously satisfying meal in every bite. Tender meatballs made from a mix of ground beef and pork meet perfectly cooked pasta, all coated in a flavorful marinara sauce. Finished with a layer of melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
🧂 Ingredients
For the Meatballs
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Ground pork | ½ pound |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ½ cup |
| Onion (finely chopped) | ¼ cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
For the Pasta Bake
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pasta (penne or fusilli) | 1 pound |
| Marinara sauce | 2 cups |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | For garnish |
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan, onion, garlic, oregano, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently until well combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Shape into 1-inch balls.
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
2. Cook the Pasta
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
3. Assemble the Bake
In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with marinara sauce until evenly coated.
Spread the pasta mixture in a greased baking dish.
Arrange the cooked meatballs over the top, nestling them slightly into the sauce.
Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over everything.
4. Bake & Serve
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the pasta bake rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and added flavor.
Golden, cheesy, and full of rich, savory flavor—this Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake brings comfort food to a whole new level. It’s a dish that’s sure to earn a permanent place in your dinner rotation.
