Save A hearty one-pan Italian dish featuring tender meatballs simmered in tomato sauce with pasta and melted cheese. It's perfect for a comforting family dinner and brings authentic flavors to your kitchen.
I first cooked this skillet on a chilly weekend night, and it quickly became a favorite in our house. The aroma of garlic and basil drew the family into the kitchen before I could even set the table.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 400 g (14 oz), lean
- Bread crumbs: 50 g (1/2 cup), preferably fresh or panko
- Egg: 1 large
- Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp, grated
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (or use 1 tbsp dried)
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp, divided
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Bell pepper: 1, diced (red or yellow)
- Canned crushed tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz)
- Tomato passata or purée: 250 ml (1 cup)
- Dried Italian herbs: 1 tsp
- Sugar: 1/2 tsp
- Salt & pepper: to taste
- Short pasta: 250 g (9 oz) penne, rigatoni, or fusilli
- Water or low-sodium chicken broth: 500 ml (2 cups)
- Shredded mozzarella: 120 g (1 cup)
- Grated Parmesan: 2 tbsp
- Fresh basil leaves: for garnish
Instructions
- Mix Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Shape into 16 meatballs (about 1 tbsp each).
- Brown Meatballs:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and brown on all sides for 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add remaining oil. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3 minutes until softened.
- Simmer Sauce:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, passata, Italian herbs, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add Pasta & Meatballs:
- Add pasta and water/broth. Stir, nestle meatballs in sauce.
- Cook Covered:
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and meatballs are cooked through. Add more water if needed.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover and cook 2 minutes until cheese melts.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Save This skillet is always a crowd-pleaser for family dinners. The kids love helping to roll the meatballs, and everyone enjoys digging in straight from the pan.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet with lid, mixing bowls, spoon or spatula, grater
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, egg, and milk. May contain gluten, depending on the pasta and breadcrumbs. Check ingredient labels for possible cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 590 calories, 25 g total fat, 54 g carbohydrates, 34 g protein
Save Finish with fresh basil and serve straight from the skillet for best flavor. Try with a green salad and crusty bread for a complete dinner.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes, turkey, pork, or plant-based alternatives all work well in place of beef for the meatballs.
- → How do I keep meatballs tender?
Don't overmix; gently combine ingredients and shape the meatballs lightly to keep them soft and juicy.
- → Is this meal suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to suit gluten sensitivities or dietary needs.
- → Can I make this dish ahead?
The skillet can be prepared in advance. Reheat gently and prepare cheese topping just before serving.
- → What type of pasta works best?
Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold sauce well and cook evenly in the skillet.
- → How spicy can I make it?
Add chili flakes or diced fresh chili with the onion and pepper to achieve desired heat.