๐ Ingredients
For the Bake:
1 lb (450g) Swedish meatballs (frozen or homemade)
12 oz (340g) egg noodles, cooked al dente (or penne, rigatoni)
2 tbsp butter
8 oz (225g) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening – no roux needed!)
2 cups (480ml) whole milk or half-and-half
½ cup (120ml) beef or vegetable broth
1 tsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (adds umami depth)
½ tsp dried thyme
Salt & pepper to taste
1 cup (100g) shredded Gruyรจre or Swiss cheese (plus extra for topping)
๐ฅ Pro Tip: Thaw frozen meatballs first so they heat through evenly.
๐ฉ๐ณ Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep & Preheat
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Sautรฉ Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add onion and cook 3–4 mins until soft.
Stir in mushrooms and cook 5–7 mins until browned and moisture evaporates.
Add garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper — cook 1 min more.
3️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle cornstarch over mushrooms and stir 30 seconds.
Gradually whisk in milk and broth.
Stir in soy/Worcestershire sauce.
Simmer 3–5 mins until thickened and smooth.
✅ No lumps? That’s the power of cornstarch!
4️⃣ Combine Everything
In a large bowl, mix:
Cooked noodles
Meatballs
Creamy mushroom sauce
Transfer to baking dish.
Top with shredded cheese.
5️⃣ Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is golden.
Let rest 5 mins before serving (sauce sets slightly).
6️⃣ Serve & Smile
Scoop into bowls and enjoy!
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
๐ฝ️ Serving Ideas:
With a crisp green salad
A dollop of sour cream on top
Garlic bread on the side
๐ Variations & Pro Hacks
๐ฑ Gluten-Free? Use GF noodles + tamari instead of soy sauce
๐พ Dairy-Free? Swap butter for oil, use dairy-free milk + cheese
๐ฅฉ Homemade Meatballs: Mix ground beef/pork, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, nutmeg, and parsley
๐ง Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble unbaked, cover, freeze — bake from frozen (+10–15 mins)
❄️ Freeze Leftovers: Reheat in oven or microwave with splash of milk
๐ Extra Mushrooms? Double them — they soak up flavor beautifully
๐ง Why This Works So Well
Cornstarch-thickened sauce = creamy without heavy flour roux
Gruyรจre cheese melts perfectly and adds nutty flavor
One-pan method = deep flavor infusion and easy cleanup
Frozen meatballs = shortcut without sacrificing taste
It’s not magic — it’s comfort food smarts. ✨
❤️ Final Thought: Sometimes, the Best Dinners Are Warm & Cheesy
You don’t need rare ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something truly special.
Just good meatballs, real cheese, and love.
This Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake proves that great meals don’t have to be complicated — they just need to satisfy.
So next time you’re craving comfort…
Skip the takeout.
Turn on the oven.
And let your kitchen fill with the scent of mushrooms, herbs, and home-cooked joy.
Because great food doesn’t have to be hard —
It just has to taste like it came from the heart. ๐