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 recipe combines simple ingredients into a flavorful skillet that has become a staple in my household.
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 This dish always brings my family together for a cozy meal and joyful moments around the table.
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 Enjoy this easy one pan meal that combines great flavors and minimal cleanup.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pasta works best in this dish?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold the sauce well and cook evenly alongside the meatballs in the skillet.
- → Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey, pork, or plant-based mince all work well and can be used to suit dietary preferences.
- → How do I ensure the meatballs stay tender?
Mix ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings gently, and avoid overcooking by simmering them just until done inside the sauce.
- → Is it necessary to brown the meatballs first?
Browning adds flavor and texture by creating a crust, but you can skip this step for a quicker preparation if desired.
- → What can I serve alongside this skillet dish?
A simple green salad and crusty bread complement the flavors and add freshness to the meal.