Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe

If you’re in the mood for the ultimate comfort food that wraps up cozy Swedish flavors and creamy, dreamy noodles all in one dish, look no further than Swedish Meatball Pasta. This recipe takes the iconic tender meatballs and luscious, savory sauce you know and love, then tosses it all with hearty noodles for a meal that’s equal parts nostalgic and exciting. It’s the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table, fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas, and never, ever leaves you with leftovers for long!

Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Swedish Meatball Pasta has a special job to do, and when they all come together, they create a dish that’s far greater than the sum of its parts. We’re talking about classic, wholesome basics with a few aromatic extras that give this dinner its trademark flavor and velvety texture.

  • Ground beef: Provides that rich, hearty base that makes the meatballs tender and flavorful.
  • Ground pork: Adds juiciness and a subtle sweetness that balances the beef beautifully.
  • Breadcrumbs: Help to bind the meatballs and keep them delightfully soft.
  • Grated onion: Melds into the meatballs for a subtle sweetness and moisture.
  • Egg: Binds everything together and ensures the meatballs hold their shape while cooking.
  • Ground allspice: Gives that signature Swedish flavor, warm and slightly peppery.
  • Ground nutmeg: Adds gentle aromatic spice that makes the flavor pop.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the other flavors forward.
  • Olive oil: For browning the meatballs to get that irresistibly crisp exterior.
  • Butter: Makes the sauce extra rich and smooth.
  • All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to that classic creamy consistency.
  • Beef broth: Delivers savory depth to every bite of the sauce.
  • Heavy cream: Provides luxurious creaminess and brings everything together.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Adds a little punchy, umami complexity to the sauce.
  • Egg noodles or pasta of choice: Broad, curly noodles are classic, but any pasta you love will soak up that sauce beautifully.
  • Chopped parsley: A fresh, green finish that makes every plate gorgeous.

How to Make Swedish Meatball Pasta

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine your ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Here’s the trick: don’t overmix! Use your hands or a fork to gently combine everything just until it clings together. This keeps your Swedish Meatball Pasta super tender. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into lovely little meatballs — you’ll end up with plenty!

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, add the meatballs and cook them until they’re browned on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes total. Don’t rush this step; you want those caramelized bits for extra flavor! Once browned, move the meatballs to a plate and set aside. If a few bits stick, that’s perfect — they’ll make your sauce even better.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Gravy

In the same pan (no need to clean it), melt butter and then whisk in flour. Let this roux cook for about a minute, stirring, until it looks golden and smells toasty. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, scraping up every tasty brown bit. Once smooth, stir in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Let it simmer gently, stirring now and then, until it thickens to the perfect sauce — about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 4: Simmer the Meatballs

Gently return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer everything together for about 10 minutes, so the meatballs cook through and get cozy with all those luscious flavors. They’ll be juicy, savory, and just begging to be spooned over some pasta.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While all that’s happening, cook your noodles according to the package instructions. Egg noodles are traditional for Swedish Meatball Pasta, but you can use any short pasta you love. When they’re done, drain them well so they don’t add extra water to your sauce.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Add your drained noodles right into the skillet with the meatballs and sauce. Gently toss everything together, making sure each noodle gets its fair share of that creamy, savory gravy. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving for a bright, fresh finish.

How to Serve Swedish Meatball Pasta

Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A classic sprinkle of bright green chopped parsley not only looks gorgeous but brings a little herbal lift to the rich flavors of Swedish Meatball Pasta. If you want extra flair, a grating of fresh nutmeg or a small spoonful of sour cream just before serving makes every bite even more craveable. For a Scandinavian touch, try a spoonful of lingonberry jam on the side!

Side Dishes

This is a star-on-its-own kind of dish, but a crisp, simple green salad dressed with a tart vinaigrette or some steamed green beans will balance out the creaminess perfectly. Crusty bread or garlic knots are great for mopping up every last drop of sauce — and trust me, you won’t want to leave any behind.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving Swedish Meatball Pasta for a crowd, pile it into a big platter and let everyone dig in family-style. For a cozy twist, try individual bowls topped with extra sauce and fresh herbs. Scooping the meatballs and sauce over mini pasta “nests” makes it fun for dinner parties or even as an appetizer at a casual gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Swedish Meatball Pasta is just as delicious the next day, and the flavors only intensify overnight. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days — quick lunches and easy dinners await!

Freezing

For maximum convenience, freeze the meatballs and sauce (without the pasta) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and toss fresh pasta for that just-made texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring until the sauce loosens and the meatballs are heated through. Add a splash of cream or broth if it looks a bit thick. The microwave works too — just cover loosely and heat in bursts, stirring between each one for even results.

FAQs

Can I use only ground beef or only ground pork?

Absolutely! While the mix offers a juicier, more flavorful result, making Swedish Meatball Pasta with all beef or all pork is still delicious. You might lose a bit of complexity, but you’ll still have a hearty, satisfying dinner.

What pasta shapes work best?

Egg noodles are classic, but you can use anything you have on hand — penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti! The key is choosing a shape that holds onto the luscious sauce and meatballs nicely.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta, and substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Everything else stays the same, so you won’t miss out on any creamy, rich goodness.

Is there a dairy-free version?

You can swap the butter and heavy cream for plant-based alternatives (like vegan butter and coconut cream or oat cream). Just keep an eye on the seasoning, as dairy alternatives sometimes need a bit more salt or spice for flavor balance.

Can I prepare Swedish Meatball Pasta in advance for a party?

Definitely! Prepare the meatballs and sauce up to a day ahead and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta for a make-ahead dish that tastes amazing.

Final Thoughts

There’s something endlessly comforting about Swedish Meatball Pasta — it’s a warm hug in a bowl, combining tender meatballs, luscious gravy, and perfectly cooked noodles. Give this recipe a try and see just how much joy simple ingredients can bring to the table. I promise, your family and friends will be begging you to make it again!

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Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe

Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in this comforting Swedish Meatball Pasta dish, where tender meatballs are simmered in a creamy sauce and served over a bed of pasta. A satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated onion
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

For Serving:

  • 12 ounces egg noodles or pasta of choice
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
  2. Cook the Meatballs: Brown the meatballs in olive oil, then set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add beef broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thickened.
  4. Finish the Dish: Return meatballs to the skillet, simmer covered. Cook pasta, then add to the skillet and toss to coat. Serve garnished with parsley.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • For added richness, stir in a spoonful of sour cream to the sauce before serving.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Swedish-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 47g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg

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