Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender, spiced meatballs with a creamy, luscious sauce and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, this dish takes the best elements of classic Swedish meatballs and turns them into a pasta sensation. It’s a delightful twist that brings familiar flavors and textures together in a way that’s both satisfying and exciting, perfect for family dinners or cozy weekend meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet crucial, each bringing something special—whether it’s flavor, texture, or color—to make sure your Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe turns out perfect every time.

• ¾ pound ground beef: Provides rich flavor and juicy texture, essential for hearty meatballs.
• ¾ pound ground chicken: Lightens the meatballs while keeping them tender and moist.
• ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs: Adds lightness and helps bind the meatballs without making them dense.
• 2 large egg yolks: Acts as a natural binder for a smooth, cohesive meatball mixture.
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves: Adds vibrant color and a fresh herbal note.
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice: Gives a warm, slightly sweet undertone typical of Swedish meatball seasoning.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Enhances the aromatic profile with a subtle, cozy spice.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni: The ideal pasta shape for catching the creamy sauce and keeping each bite satisfying.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for browning the meatballs to golden perfection.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce with a silky mouthfeel.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency.
• 3 cups beef stock: Builds a deep, savory flavor in the sauce.
• ⅓ cup sour cream: Adds tangy creaminess that balances the spices beautifully.

How to Make Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Begin by combining the ground beef and chicken with Panko breadcrumbs, egg yolks, thinly sliced green onions, fresh parsley, ground allspice, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Season everything with salt and pepper, then stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. This blend ensures your meatballs have great flavor and texture, making every bite tender and delicious.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Using your hands, form the mixture into 1 to 1¼-inch meatballs—about 24 in total. Keeping the meatballs uniform helps them cook evenly and ensures they stay juicy inside while achieving a nice crust on the outside.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the meatballs on all sides for 2 to 3 minutes. This step seals in juices for tender meatballs and adds a lovely caramelized flavor. Once browned, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

In the same pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Cooking the pasta separately helps maintain its texture until it’s time to combine it with the sauce and meatballs.

Step 5: Make the Sauce Base

Reduce the heat to medium and melt butter in the Dutch oven. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly until the mixture turns lightly browned and nutty. This roux will thicken your sauce and develop subtle toasty flavors.

Step 6: Add the Beef Stock

Slowly pour in the beef stock while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce slightly thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes. This slow incorporation creates a smooth, rich sauce that perfectly hugs the meatballs and pasta.

Step 7: Simmer the Meatballs in Sauce

Return the browned meatballs to the pot, gently stirring them into the sauce. Let them simmer together for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens further and the meatballs are heated through, soaking up those wonderful flavors.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sour Cream

Stir the cooked pasta and sour cream into the pot, warming everything together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. The sour cream adds a lovely richness and slight tang that makes this Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe truly special. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste at this stage.

Step 9: Serve

Serve immediately while warm, perhaps garnished with extra fresh parsley for an inviting pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a bright, verdant note that lifts the creamy richness of the dish. For an extra touch, a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper or a few flakes of red chili can add subtle contrast without overpowering the flavors.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty loaves are also fantastic for mopping up any leftover sauce, turning this meal into a full, pleasing experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a twist on classic presentation, try layering the Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe in individual ramekins and topping with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, then broil until golden and bubbly for a comforting casserole vibe. Alternatively, serve the meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty variation that honors Swedish traditions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This dish reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners during busy weekdays.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the leftovers, transfer the pasta and meatballs into a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Add a splash of beef stock or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwaving is also an option—cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring between each to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use different types of ground meat in this recipe?

Yes! While this Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe traditionally combines ground beef and chicken for balance, you can experiment with turkey, pork, or even veal depending on your preference—just keep an eye on moisture levels as cooking times may vary.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for the meatballs?

Absolutely. You can substitute the meatballs with plant-based ground “meat” or chickpea-based balls seasoned similarly. Just adjust cooking times as they tend to be more delicate than traditional meatballs.

What can I do if I don’t have sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute that will provide a similar tang and creaminess while adding a bit of protein. Just be sure to add it off the heat or at a low temperature to prevent curdling.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, swap out the Panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Just make sure your beef stock is also gluten-free, and you’re good to go!

How spicy is this dish?

This Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe is mild, with warm spices like allspice and nutmeg providing depth without heat. If you like a bit of kick, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes when browning the meatballs or sprinkle at the end.

Final Thoughts

This Swedish Meatball Pasta Recipe truly feels like a cozy, flavorful invitation to savor a timeless comfort food in a fun, pasta-filled way. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles—and the kind of leftovers you’ll look forward to enjoying again. Give it a try soon and watch how quickly it becomes one of your go-to favorites.

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