If you are craving something hearty, comforting, and absolutely delicious, this Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner to keep in your culinary repertoire. Picture tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs nestled in a rich, creamy sauce, all tossed with tender egg noodles that soak up every bit of that luscious flavor. This dish brings the best of Swedish comfort food and classic pasta joy together in one unforgettable plate, making weeknight dinners feel special and cozy without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe is easy because the ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays a vital role in creating those rich, comforting flavors and satisfying textures you’re aiming for. From the aromatic spices in the meatballs to the creamy sauce that ties everything together, this list has it all.
- 1 lb ground beef: The heart of our meatballs, providing rich flavor and juicy texture.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them tender.
- 1/4 cup grated onion: Adds subtle sweetness and moisture.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold the meatballs together.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice: Brings warm, aromatic notes traditional to Swedish flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Enhances the depth with a hint of spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential seasoning to make every flavor pop.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and complexity.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the meatballs to a delicious golden crust.
- 12 oz egg noodles or pasta of choice: A perfect base to carry the creamy sauce and meatballs.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates the rich roux that thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Used with butter to build the sauce’s creamy consistency.
- 2 cups beef broth: Adds savory depth and body to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Gives the sauce its signature tang and richness.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and velvety.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle kick and umami boost.
- Chopped parsley: For a fresh, colorful garnish that brightens each bite.
How to Make Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Begin by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mixing the ingredients gently until just combined ensures the meatballs stay tender and moist. Then, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about one inch in diameter, so they cook evenly and fit perfectly on your fork.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Adding the meatballs in batches prevents overcrowding, allowing each one to brown beautifully on all sides, roughly five to seven minutes total. This step not only locks in flavor but also creates that irresistible crispy exterior that contrasts with the tender inside. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and keep them warm.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Cooking this for one to two minutes gets rid of the raw flour taste while setting the stage for a silky sauce. Slowly whisk in the beef broth until the sauce is lump-free and starts to bubble gently. Then, stir in sour cream, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce to build the rich, tangy sauce that defines this dish.
Step 4: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce
Return the meatballs to the skillet and let them simmer in the creamy sauce for about ten to twelve minutes. This allows them to cook through completely while soaking up all the delicious flavors from the sauce. The result is meatballs that are tender and flavorful, immersed in a luxuriously creamy coating.
Step 5: Cook and Combine the Pasta
While the meatballs cook, boil the egg noodles according to the package directions until tender. Drain the noodles well, then either toss them directly into the skillet with the meatballs and sauce for effortless mixing or plate the noodles first and spoon the meatballs and sauce on top for a more elegant presentation.
How to Serve Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is the classic choice to garnish this dish. It adds a vibrant green color for visual charm and a subtle fresh flavor that lifts the richness of the sauce. You can also sprinkle a little extra black pepper or even a dash of smoked paprika for a bit of extra warmth and color contrast.
Side Dishes
If you want to round out your meal, simple green vegetables like steamed broccoli or a crisp side salad provide excellent balance with their fresh, light flavors. Roasted root vegetables or a crusty bread also pair wonderfully by adding earthy or crunchy textures that complement the creamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive occasion, serve the meatballs and sauce over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes instead of pasta, or use spiralized vegetables to keep it lighter and add interesting shapes. Individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes can make for charming single servings that highlight the comforting drama of this Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect to enjoy as a next-day lunch or dinner without losing any of its creamy charm.
Freezing
You can freeze the meatballs and sauce separately or together before adding pasta. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will keep for up to two months. Frozen leftovers are a lifesaver for busy days when you want a homemade meal without the cooking.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the meatballs and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture. If adding pasta, it’s best to cook it fresh or warm it separately to avoid sogginess, then combine right before serving.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or pork instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork works well in this Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe, and even mixing the two can create a flavorful, tender meatball variation.
What type of pasta works best?
Egg noodles are traditional and ideal due to their wide and tender nature, but you can use any pasta you love, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti, depending on your preference.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap out sour cream and heavy cream for dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream, though the flavor profile will shift slightly. Using broth and an unsweetened dairy-free yogurt can also help maintain creaminess.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour substitutes such as cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for the roux, and pick gluten-free pasta to keep it safe and delicious.
How do I keep meatballs from falling apart?
Gently mixing the meatball ingredients until just combined and using an egg and breadcrumbs helps bind them well. Also, browning them carefully and not stirring too much while simmering ensures they hold their shape perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe is a cozy, beloved dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its luscious sauce, tender meatballs, and satisfying noodles, it’s perfect for family dinners or special treat nights. I am confident once you whip up this recipe, it will become one of your favorite go-to comfort foods, bringing smiles and full bellies without any fuss. Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
Print
Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish-American
Description
Swedish Meatball Pasta features tender, spiced meatballs simmered in a creamy, savory sauce and served over tender egg noodles. This comforting dish blends classic Swedish flavors with a rich, hearty pasta base, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)
Sauce and Pasta
- 12 oz egg noodles or pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs. Shape into small 1-inch diameter meatballs.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, browning on all sides for about 5 to 7 minutes total. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden. Gradually whisk in beef broth, ensuring a smooth sauce. Bring to a simmer, then stir in sour cream, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Return meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and flavors meld.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, prepare egg noodles or chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Combine and Serve: Toss cooked pasta with meatballs and creamy sauce or plate the meatballs atop the noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce.
- Ground turkey or pork can be substituted for beef or use a mixture of both for varied flavor and texture.
- Ensure not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise.
