If you love hearty meals made with beef, then you’ll also want to try my Greek Beef Meatballs, my Beef Noodle Stir Fry, and my Honey Beef Lettuce Wraps. This recipe is in partnership with Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. on behalf of the Beef Checkoff. All opinions are my own. If you have questions about starting solid foods, consult a physician or health care provider.
This Swedish Meatball Pasta checks all the boxes. It’s full of zinc and iron from the beef meatballs, it has a savory sauce that comes from the winning combination of garlic, butter, worcestershire, and spices, and a bit of fun and chewy texture with the pasta (because who can resist a pasta spiral?). Plus, it’s different enough from the tried-and-true spaghetti and plain meatballs that I feel like we’re getting our kids to branch out a bit and to try new things. The best part is they have no idea that it’s good for them — they just know it’s delicious! I served this dish with a side salad for my husband and myself and cut up the meatballs and noodles into smaller bites for the littles, with a side of steamed carrots and fresh fruit. This meal won over all three of the kids, plus the husband. Can you say winner winner BEEF dinner?!
What Makes Beef a Good First Food?
For infants and children especially, iron and zinc are crucial minerals for developing their bodies and minds. Studies show they go a long way to support the proper growth and development of kids and beef provides those minerals in such a delicious package. In fact, as soon as my doctor gave the okay, I pureed some real meat for the kiddos at home and introduced it to them as a complementary food while I was still nursing. The zinc and iron in beef in particular helps babies and young children to develop a healthy immune system by supporting the growth of helpful gut bacteria, improve their recall skills and reasoning, support brain health and optimal cognitive development, and help promote the growth and learning milestones associated with normal physical growth in infants.
How Should I Introduce Beef to my Baby?
My best advice for giving your baby pureed beef is just to start! If your pediatrician gives the okay, and barring any allergies, the best thing you can do is to introduce your baby to all sorts of foods early on. I think the sooner they get a taste for real foods, the less picky they will be. Of course, I’ve only seen this in my own children, I haven’t done an official study — yet!
Tips for Introducing Beef to Babies
There are a few simple ways to start to introduce your baby to beef.
Side Dishes for Swedish Meatballs
If you’re looking to round out this wonderful beef meatball and pasta dish, then may I recommend any of the following?
A simple side salad does it for me every time. Plus salads go so well with pasta. Roasted Brussels Sprouts are also ah-maz-ing with these Swedish meatballs. Crispy Parmesan Green beans are loved by all adults and children too — eat with a fork or your fingers! Grilled Garlic Bread just works wonderfully alongside any pasta dish! This broccoli and cauliflower side dish cooks up in a jiffy and adds a lot of extra nutrition to any meal. How about some Focaccia on the side? Think of all that sauce you could dip it into! For something a little off the beaten path, why not try Roasted Beets With Goat Cheese? The kids LOVE these Cheesy Garlic Butter Crescents!
I think that you’ll agree, nothing beats this Swedish Meatball Pasta dish for taste, nutrition, and ease of cooking. And, if you’re counting on leftovers, you’d better double the recipe because this will be gobbled up in no time! If you have questions about starting solid foods, consult a physician or health care provider.
