Imagine a cozy evening filled with the irresistible aroma of creamy sauce and savory meatballs mingling with perfectly twirled pasta—this is exactly what Swedish Meatball Pasta delivers. With its rich, velvety sauce coating buttery noodles and tender, spiced meatballs, this dish brings all the comforting goodness of a classic Swedish favorite right into your kitchen, plus a delightful Italian twist. Whether you’re new to Swedish flavors or a seasoned fan, Swedish Meatball Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner that everyone will adore.

Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe matters, coming together for the ultimate comfort food experience. Nothing fancy—just essential building blocks that make Swedish Meatball Pasta taste like the coziest meal you’ve had in ages.

Ground Beef (1 pound): This gives the meatballs their classic hearty flavor and satisfying bite.
Ground Pork (1/2 pound): Adds juiciness and a subtle sweetness, balancing the beef beautifully.
Breadcrumbs (1/3 cup): Help keep the meatballs tender and light instead of dense.
Milk (1/4 cup): Softens the breadcrumbs, acting as the secret to ultra-moist meatballs.
Egg (1): Binds everything together for perfectly formed balls that don’t fall apart.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lends an aromatic hint without overpowering the sauce.
Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Deepens the meat flavor with mellow sweetness.
Ground Allspice (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for that distinctly Swedish, cozy undertone.
Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Infuses the meatballs with warmth and complexity.
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Elevate all the flavors, so season generously!
Butter (2 tablespoons): Creates a rich base for the sauce and rounds out the flavors.
All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce into a beautiful, glossy blanket for the pasta and meatballs.
Beef Broth (2 cups): Adds deep, meaty flavor to the creamy sauce.
Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Delivers tang and silkiness—no substitute comes close for this sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings umami and complexity, like a secret flavor booster.
Egg Noodles or Pasta of Choice (12 ounces, cooked and drained): The classic base; choose your favorite pasta for even more personality.
Fresh Parsley (for garnish): A final sprinkle for color and a touch of freshness.

How to Make Swedish Meatball Pasta

Step 1: Make and Shape the Meatballs

In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Try not to overmix—just work it until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Scoop out about a tablespoon for each meatball and roll them into 1-inch rounds. This size makes for tender, bite-sized morsels that soak up all the creamy sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a swirl of oil. Working in batches, add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, turning them gently as they cook. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes in total. Browning builds flavor and color, so don’t rush this part. Once done, transfer them to a plate and set aside—you’ll bring them back soon!

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet (leaving those delicious browned bits!), melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes until it smells a little nutty and golden. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and to capture every drop of flavor stuck to the pan. Simmer for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened, letting that sauce become velvety and cohesive.

Step 4: Add the Final Flavor Touches

Turn the heat down to low and stir in the sour cream and Worcestershire sauce. These add tang and savoriness to the gravy, making Swedish Meatball Pasta so much more than just another pasta dish. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed for that perfect balance of richness and zest.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Gently nestle the browned meatballs back into the sauce and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, letting them finish cooking and absorb those creamy flavors. Finally, add the cooked pasta and toss everything together so every noodle gleams with sauce and every meatball is cozily nestled in. Serve it hot, straight from the skillet, with a shower of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and brightness.

How to Serve Swedish Meatball Pasta

Garnishes

A shower of fresh parsley is classic, adding not just a burst of green, but also a gentle herby note to each forkful. If you like, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can dial up the decadence, and a few grinds of black pepper make everything taste vibrant. For a truly Swedish touch, a spoonful of lingonberry jam on the side adds a lovely sweet-tart contrast that’s surprisingly perfect with the creamy, savory flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair Swedish Meatball Pasta with simple sides that let its flavors shine. Gently steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp green salad add freshness and crunch to every bite. Warm, crusty bread is also ideal for scooping up extra sauce (trust me, you won’t want any to go to waste!).

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, serve Swedish Meatball Pasta in individual bowls for a cozy, comforting presentation. For a crowd, present it family-style in a big, rustic serving dish with plenty of extra parsley and jam on the side. You can even layer it in a casserole dish, sprinkle with cheese, and broil for a bubbly, golden finish—a fun twist that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Swedish Meatball Pasta, lucky you! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to mingle and deepen overnight, making lunch the next day just as delicious—maybe even better.

Freezing

Swedish Meatball Pasta freezes beautifully. For best results, freeze the meatballs and sauce separately from the pasta in airtight containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently. Freezing helps you keep a comforting meal on standby for your busiest days.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of beef broth or milk to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from drying out. Warm gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. If reheating from frozen, thaw fully before warming to keep the texture just right.

FAQs

Can I use only ground beef instead of beef and pork?

Absolutely! While a mix of beef and pork creates the juiciest, most flavorful meatballs, all-beef works just fine. You can also experiment with turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative if you like.

Which pasta shapes work best for Swedish Meatball Pasta?

Traditional egg noodles are classic, but any short or ridged pasta like fusilli, rotini, or even penne holds the creamy sauce beautifully. Pick your family’s favorite for a dish that feels custom-made.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can shape and brown the meatballs in advance, then store them in the fridge (up to two days) or freeze them. When you’re ready for dinner, just drop them into the sauce and simmer until fully heated and cooked through.

Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?

You can swap the butter and milk for non-dairy alternatives and use a plant-based sour cream to make the sauce dairy-free. The flavor will change a bit, but you’ll keep that signature creamy texture.

What makes Swedish Meatball Pasta different from regular meatball pasta?

Swedish Meatball Pasta stands out for its warmly spiced meatballs and creamy, tangy sauce—flavored with allspice, nutmeg, and Worcestershire—which sets it apart from tomato-based Italian versions. Each bite feels both classic and refreshingly new!

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for a true comfort classic, don’t hesitate to give Swedish Meatball Pasta a place at your table. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to slow down, savor every creamy, cozy bite, and maybe even make a new family favorite! I’d love for you to try it—you might just end up making it on repeat.

Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and creamy Swedish-inspired dish that combines juicy meatballs with a savory sauce, served over a bed of pasta. This Swedish Meatball Pasta is a family-friendly meal that brings together classic flavors in a delightful way.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Other:

12 ounces egg noodles or pasta of choice, cooked and drained
Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs: Mix together ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
Cook the Meatballs: Brown the meatballs in a skillet, then set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, make a roux with butter and flour, then whisk in beef broth. Simmer and add sour cream and Worcestershire sauce.
Combine and Serve: Return meatballs to the skillet, simmer until cooked through. Add cooked pasta, toss gently, and garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

You can use all ground beef or a plant-based alternative.
For a richer sauce, substitute part of the beef broth with heavy cream.
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of lingonberry jam for a traditional Swedish touch.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Swedish-American