Everyone’s favorite Swedish meatballs meet creamy pasta in this comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Tender, juicy meatballs are coated in a rich, savory cream gravy and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta—every bite is pure comfort food heaven.
If you love classic Swedish meatballs, this pasta version takes it to the next level. It’s creamy, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners at home.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – ready in just 40 minutes
- Juicy homemade meatballs packed with flavor
- Rich, creamy gravy-style sauce
- Perfect for family dinners or meal prep
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Freezer-friendly for future meals
🛒 Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- ¾ lb ground beef
- ¾ lb ground pork
- ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta & Sauce
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any tube pasta)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef stock
- ⅓ cup sour cream
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Make the meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork, Panko, egg yolks, green onions, parsley, allspice, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper.
Mix until just combined, then roll into small meatballs (about 1 to 1¼ inches). You should get around 24 meatballs.
2. Brown the meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.
Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides (about 2–3 minutes). Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Make the creamy gravy sauce
In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in beef stock, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens (about 3–5 minutes).
5. Combine everything
Add the meatballs back into the sauce and simmer for about 5 minutes until heated through.
Stir in the cooked pasta and sour cream. Mix until everything is well coated and heated through (2–3 minutes).
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve
Serve immediately while warm and creamy. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
💡 Tips & Tricks for Success
- Prep meatballs ahead: Store in the fridge up to 1 day or freeze for later
- Use tube pasta (macaroni, penne, rigatoni) to hold the sauce better
- Choose low-sodium beef stock for better flavor control
- For a lighter version, swap sour cream with Greek yogurt
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce
❓ FAQs
Can I substitute the beef and pork?
Yes! Ground turkey works well as a lighter option.
What is Panko?
Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb that creates a lighter, softer texture in meatballs.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes! Freeze uncooked meatballs on a tray for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
What pasta can I use instead?
Penne, rigatoni, or ziti are great alternatives.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
🍽️ What to Serve With Swedish Meatball Pasta
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Roasted broccoli or vegetables
- Sweet potatoes
- Fresh green salad
- Caesar salad
🧊 Leftover Ideas
- Reheat for quick lunches
- Turn into a baked pasta casserole
- Add extra broth for a creamy soup twist
- Stuff into wraps or sandwiches