Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this creamy, cheesy, and flavorful Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake — a comforting combination of juicy meatballs, tender pasta, and rich marinara sauce. Each bite delivers that perfect balance of hearty, savory, and cheesy goodness, making it a family favorite for cozy dinners or laid-back gatherings. With melted mozzarella on top and a sprinkle of parsley for freshness, this baked masterpiece will easily become one of your go-to crowd-pleasers.
Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake
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
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, oregano, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined. Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch each. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides. Set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with marinara sauce until every noodle is nicely coated. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Arrange the browned meatballs evenly on top, pressing them slightly into the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Once baked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
This dish is pure comfort on a plate — creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something hearty without the fuss.
