Save 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.
I remember the first time I made this Italian meatball pasta skillet for my family everyone loved the combination of juicy meatballs, bubbly cheese, and flavorful tomato sauce. It quickly became a weeknight favorite for its convenience and delicious results.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 400 g (14 oz)
- Bread crumbs: 50 g (1/2 cup)
- Egg: 1 large
- Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp grated
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Parsley: 2 tbsp fresh, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Bell pepper: 1, diced (red or yellow)
- Crushed tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz) canned
- Tomato passata or purée: 250 ml (1 cup)
- Italian herbs: 1 tsp dried
- Sugar: 1/2 tsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli): 250 g (9 oz)
- Water or low-sodium chicken broth: 500 ml (2 cups)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 120 g (1 cup)
- Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp grated
- Fresh basil leaves: for garnish
Instructions
- Mix and shape the meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Shape into 1618 small meatballs (about 1 tablespoon each)
- Brown meatballs:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add meatballs and brown on all sides for 56 minutes. Remove meatballs and set aside
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add remaining oil to the same skillet. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3 minutes until softened
- Add tomatoes and seasonings:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato passata, Italian herbs, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer
- Add pasta and broth:
- Add the pasta and water or broth. Stir well, then return the meatballs to the skillet nestling them into the sauce
- Simmer:
- Cover and simmer on mediumlow heat for 1518 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and meatballs are cooked through. Add a splash more water if needed
- Add cheese:
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the skillet. Cover and cook for another 23 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot, straight from the skillet
Save This dish always brings my family together around the dinner table with lots of laughter and plates wiped clean every time. My kids especially enjoy helping to shape the meatballs making it a fun cooking project.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside a crisp green salad and warm crusty bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra fresh basil or chili flakes enhances each bowl.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet (with lid), mixing bowls, wooden spoon, and grater are all you need for this recipe.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, egg, and milk. Check pasta and breadcrumbs packaging for gluten if required and read ingredient labels for cross-contamination advisories.
Save Finish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and basil before serving for even more flavor. Enjoy this hearty skillet straight from the pan while it's hot!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pasta works best in this skillet?
Short pasta varieties like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold the sauce well and cook evenly in the skillet.
- → Can I substitute the ground beef with other proteins?
Yes, ground pork, turkey, or plant-based mince can be used as alternatives to customize the dish.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from sticking during cooking?
Stir occasionally while simmering and ensure enough liquid is present for the pasta to cook fully without drying out.
- → What cheeses are used for the topping?
Shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan are sprinkled over the skillet to create a melted, bubbly topping.
- → Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to adapt the dish for gluten-free diets without compromising flavor.