Name: Swedish Meatball Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: ¾ pound ground beef; ¾ pound ground chicken; ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs; 2 large egg yolks; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves; ¼ teaspoon ground allspice; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 8 ounces elbow macaroni; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups beef stock; ⅓ cup sour cream

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings the best of both worlds: the beloved savory Swedish meatballs and rich, creamy sauce tossed with pasta for an easy, satisfying one-pot meal. The meatballs are perfectly seasoned with warm spices like allspice and nutmeg, adding depth to each bite. The creamy sauce made with beef stock and sour cream envelops the pasta and meatballs, making every forkful indulgent and delicious. It’s straightforward to prepare, ideal for feeding a crowd, and offers a comforting twist on classic Swedish cuisine.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

¾ pound ground beef
¾ pound ground chicken
⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs
2 large egg yolks
2 green onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups beef stock
⅓ cup sour cream

Directions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground chicken, Panko, egg yolks, green onions, parsley, allspice, and nutmeg. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.
Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon or your hands until well combined.
Shape the mixture into 1 to 1¼-inch meatballs, about 24 in total.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add meatballs in batches, browning all sides for about 2–3 minutes. Transfer cooked meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

In the same large pot, boil salted water and cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

Melt butter in the Dutch oven over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute until lightly browned.
Gradually whisk in beef stock, stirring constantly, and cook until slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return meatballs to the sauce, stirring occasionally, and cook until heated through and thickened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in cooked pasta and sour cream, warming for another 2–3 minutes.
Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the butter before adding flour for an earthy flavor.
Use ground turkey: Substitute the ground chicken with ground turkey for a leaner option.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour alternatives.
Cheesy twist: Stir in grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese into the sauce for extra richness.
Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture or sauce for a mild heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add a splash of beef stock or water when reheating to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, meatballs can be formed and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.

What pasta works best for this dish?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but small pasta shapes like penne or shells work well too.

Can I freeze Swedish Meatball Pasta?

You can freeze the meatballs separately, but freezing the pasta with sauce may affect texture. Reheat gently if frozen.

Can I use pre-made meatballs?

Store-bought meatballs can be used to save time but adjust cooking time as needed.

Is this recipe dairy-free?

No, it contains butter and sour cream, but you can substitute with dairy-free alternatives.

How do I avoid mushy pasta?

Cook pasta al dente and toss with sauce right before serving.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, peas or spinach stirred into the sauce add color and nutrition.

Can I use beef broth instead of stock?

Yes, beef broth can be substituted with similar flavor results.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What is the best way to reheat this dish?

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Conclusion

Swedish Meatball Pasta is a delicious and comforting meal that combines tender, flavorful meatballs with creamy sauce and pasta for a satisfying dinner. It’s easy to prepare, family-friendly, and offers a delightful twist on a classic dish. Whether for a weeknight meal or a gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for its rich flavors and hearty texture.