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Easy Swedish Meatball Pasta recipe

Swedish Meatball Pasta

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This Swedish Meatball Pasta is pure comfort food. Homemade beef and pork meatballs, spiced with a hint of nutmeg and allspice, are pan-seared and then simmered in a rich, velvety sour cream gravy. Tossed with tender egg noodles, it creates a hearty family dinner that rivals any trip to IKEA.

  • Total Time: 40
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

— The Meatballs —

½ lb (225g) ground beef

½ lb (225g) ground pork

½ cup Panko breadcrumbs

¼ cup milk (to soak breadcrumbs)

½ small onion, grated or very finely minced

1 large egg

1 clove garlic, minced

¼ teaspoon ground allspice

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

— The Creamy Gravy —

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

¼ cup all-purpose flour

3 cups beef broth (low sodium)

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

½ cup sour cream (or heavy cream)

— The Pasta —

12 oz (340g) wide egg noodles

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. **Prepare Meatballs:** In a large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes until the milk is absorbed. Add the ground beef, ground pork, grated onion, egg, garlic, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands just until combined (do not overwork).

2. **Shape:** Roll the meat mixture into small balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches).

3. **Boil Pasta:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

4. **Sear Meatballs:** While water boils, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Add the meatballs in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear for 5–6 minutes, turning often, until browned on all sides. Remove meatballs to a plate (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet).

5. **Make Roux:** Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out!), melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly and golden.

6. **Build Gravy:** Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard.

7. **Simmer:** Bring the sauce to a simmer. Add the meatballs back into the pan. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are cooked through.

8. **Make it Creamy:** Remove from heat (important to prevent curdling). Stir in the sour cream until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.

9. **Combine:** Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet and toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Meat Blend: A 50/50 mix of beef and pork gives the most tender, flavorful result. If using only beef, choose a blend with some fat (85/15) so they aren’t dry.

Grating Onion: Grating the onion instead of chopping it ensures the meatballs hold together better and adds moisture.

Sauce Thickness: If the gravy gets too thick after adding the pasta, splash in a little extra beef broth or pasta water.

Serving Suggestion: For the full Swedish experience, serve with a side of Lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce.

  • Author: Anna Lovae
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Swedish / American