Description
Comfort meets Swedish tradition in this meatball pasta bake, blending hearty flavors with creamy sauce. Juicy homemade meatballs nestled in cheesy pasta will transport you straight to Stockholm’s welcoming dinner tables.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) beef broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a moderate temperature, preparing it for the upcoming dish.
- Prepare pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring it’s cooked al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Create meatball mixture by thoroughly combining ground beef with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, milk, minced garlic, aromatic spices, and seasoning. Gently form uniform small meatballs.
- Melt butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat, carefully browning meatballs until they develop a rich, golden exterior. Remove meatballs from pan once seared.
- Utilize the same skillet to build a creamy sauce, pouring in beef broth and heavy cream. Allow the liquid to simmer and reduce, thickening into a luxurious consistency.
- Merge cooked pasta with browned meatballs and the velvety sauce, ensuring every element is well-coated.
- Transfer the combined mixture to a baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella across the top, providing a melty, golden covering.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven, baking until cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden crust.
- Once removed, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve while piping hot.
Notes
- Ensure meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking and consistent taste throughout the dish.
- Consider using lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content without compromising flavor and texture.
- Experiment with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version of this comforting pasta bake.
- Add a sprinkle of lingonberry jam on top for an authentic Swedish touch that enhances the traditional flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg