Save to Pinterest A hearty, one-pan Italian dish featuring tender meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce with pasta and melted cheese—perfect for a comforting family dinner.
This dish has become a family favorite because it combines ease of preparation with delicious flavors that please every palate.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs: 400 g (14 oz) ground beef, 50 g (1/2 cup) breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves garlic minced, 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (or 1 tbsp dried), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the Sauce and Pasta: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 small onion finely chopped, 1 bell pepper diced (red or yellow), 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes, 250 ml (1 cup) tomato passata or purée, 1 tsp dried Italian herbs, 1/2 tsp sugar, Salt and pepper to taste, 250 g (9 oz) short pasta (penne rigatoni or fusilli), 500 ml (2 cups) water or low-sodium chicken broth
- For the Topping: 120 g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef breadcrumbs egg Parmesan garlic parsley salt and pepper. Mix until just combined. Shape into 16 18 small meatballs (about 1 tablespoon each).
- Step 2:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add meatballs and brown on all sides for 5 6 minutes. Remove meatballs and set aside.
- Step 3:
- Add remaining oil to the same skillet. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3 minutes until softened.
- Step 4:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes tomato passata Italian herbs sugar salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 5:
- Add the pasta and water/broth. Stir well then return the meatballs to the skillet nestling them into the sauce.
- Step 6:
- Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 15 18 minutes stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and meatballs are cooked through. Add a splash more water if needed.
- Step 7:
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the skillet. Cover and cook for another 2 3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 8:
- Garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot straight from the skillet.
Save to Pinterest Making this recipe always brings the family together around the dinner table to enjoy good food and company.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or sauté pan (with lid), Mixing bowls, Wooden spoon or spatula, Grater
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (pasta breadcrumbs) Egg Milk (cheese). May contain Gluten (depending on pasta/breadcrumbs used). Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens and cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Calories 590 Total Fat 25 g Carbohydrates 54 g Protein 34 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This Italian meatball pasta skillet is a perfect blend of flavor and comfort that will quickly become a dinner staple.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → What type of pasta works best for this skillet?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli holds sauce well and cooks evenly in the skillet.
- → Can I substitute beef for other proteins?
Yes, pork, turkey, or plant-based mince can be used interchangeably for varied flavors and dietary needs.
- → How do I keep meatballs tender and juicy?
Mix ingredients gently without overworking and brown meatballs before simmering to seal juices inside.
- → Is it necessary to cover the skillet while cooking the pasta?
Covering helps trap steam, ensuring pasta cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce flavors without drying out.
- → Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, adding chili flakes to the sauce or meatball mixture adds a pleasant heat suitable to taste.