Swedish Meatball Casserole (Cheesy & Irresistible!)

Name: Swedish Meatball Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 lb rotini pasta (cooked and drained); 24 oz frozen precooked meatballs; 4 tbsp butter; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; ¼ tsp allspice; ¼ tsp nutmeg; Salt and black pepper (to taste)

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Let me tell you about a dinner that saved my week. I wanted something warm, creamy, and easy.

That’s when I thought of this Swedish meatball casserole. It takes the classic flavors you love and turns them into a simple meatball pasta bake.

My whole family went wild for it! This dish is a real hug in a bowl, and it’s perfect for a busy night when you need a win. It quickly became a go-to meal in my home, and I bet it will in yours, too.

Why You’ll Love Swedish Meatball Casserole?

It tastes like a classic dish but is much easier to make.
The creamy sauce coats every single piece of pasta and meatball.
This meal is so warm, cozy, and perfect for a chilly day.
You only need one baking dish, which means cleanup is a breeze.
Kids and grown-ups both get so excited when you serve this.

Ingredients for Swedish Meatball Casserole

Rotini pasta: I love how the creamy sauce gets trapped in all those fun little spirals you see.
Frozen meatballs: You should grab your favorite brand. They save so much time and make this dish easy.
Butter: This adds a rich, wonderful flavor that is the base for our delicious, creamy sauce.
Flour: I use this to thicken the sauce. It helps make it smooth and velvety for you.
Beef broth: This adds a deep, savory flavor that makes the sauce taste so good.
Heavy cream: This is my secret for making the sauce extra rich, creamy, and so comforting.
Worcestershire sauce: You only need a splash. It adds a wonderful, tangy depth to the final dish.
Dijon mustard: This gives the sauce a little zip that balances out all the rich, creamy flavors.
Allspice: This warm spice is a key part of that classic Swedish meatball taste you love.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch of nutmeg gives the sauce a cozy, aromatic touch that I adore.
Salt: You will want to add this to bring out all the other amazing flavors.
Pepper: I always add a bit of freshly ground black pepper for a tiny hint of spice.

How to Make Swedish Meatball Casserole?

You will simply cook your pasta, make the sauce, mix everything, and then bake until bubbly.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Then, cook your rotini pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente.

Step 2: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute.

Step 3: Slowly pour in the beef broth while you keep whisking. This helps you get a smooth sauce with no lumps at all.

Step 4: Next, stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, allspice, and nutmeg. Let it simmer until it thickens up a little.

Step 5: Add your frozen meatballs to the sauce. Let them simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes so they can heat through completely.

Step 6: Gently stir in the cooked pasta. Make sure every single piece of pasta and every meatball is coated in that creamy sauce.

Step 7: Now, pour everything into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it bakes perfectly for you.

Step 8: Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes. You will know it is ready when the sauce is bubbling and the top is golden.

Tips for the Best Meatball Casserole

Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned to make this Swedish meatball pasta bake even better.

Don’t overcook the pasta since it will bake more in the oven later.
Toast the flour in butter for a minute to avoid a raw flour taste.
Shred some cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking time.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before you serve it to the family.
For extra flavor, add a little onion powder to the sauce with the spices.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to change things up! This recipe is very forgiving, and you can easily make it your own.

You can use egg noodles instead of rotini for a more traditional Swedish meatball feel.
If you have time, make your own meatballs with a tasty mix of beef and pork.
Add some sautéed mushrooms or onions to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
For a lighter sauce, you can swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
A splash of soy sauce can be used if you run out of Worcestershire sauce.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

To make ahead, assemble the entire casserole but do not bake it, then cover and chill.
This casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just cover it tightly with foil.
You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe dish.
Reheat leftover portions in the microwave or oven until they are hot and bubbly again.
When baking from cold, add about 15-20 minutes to the total baking time.

What to Serve with Swedish Meatball Casserole?

I love serving this hearty casserole with a simple side dish to round out our family meal.

Wilted lettuce salad: A simple salad with a warm bacon dressing offers a savory, slightly tangy contrast I know you’ll love.
Roasted garlic mashed potatoes: The sweet, mellow flavor of roasted garlic in creamy mashed potatoes is a perfect comforting companion.
Steamed green Beans: I just steam some fresh green beans and add a little butter and salt for an easy side.
Garlic bread: You can never go wrong with warm garlic bread for dipping into that delicious, savory sauce.
Lingonberry jam: For a true Swedish touch, I serve a small spoonful of bright lingonberry jam on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can. Just make sure you cook them all the way through before you add them to the sauce.

No problem. You can use a tiny pinch of cinnamon and ground cloves instead for a similar flavor.

You’ll know the casserole is ready when the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the top looks lightly golden brown.

You can. Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and all-purpose flour blend to thicken your sauce.

No, this dish is savory and creamy, not spicy. The spices like allspice and nutmeg give it a warm flavor. You could add red pepper flakes for some heat.