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 made this skillet meal on a busy weeknight and my family couldn&t believe how flavorful it was—the meatballs stayed juicy and the melted cheese made it extra comforting.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 400 g (14 oz), for meatballs
- Breadcrumbs: 50 g (1/2 cup)
- Egg: 1 large
- Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp grated, plus extra for topping
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped or 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: 250 ml (1 cup) or purée
- Dried Italian herbs: 1 tsp
- Sugar: 1/2 tsp
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Short pasta: 250 g (9 oz) penne, rigatoni, or fusilli
- Water or chicken broth: 500 ml (2 cups) low-sodium
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 120 g (1 cup), for topping
- Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp grated, for topping
- Fresh basil leaves: For garnish
Instructions
- Prepare meatballs:
- 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).
- 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 5–6 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.
- Mix sauce:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato passata, Italian herbs, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add pasta and meatballs:
- 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 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.
- Top with cheese:
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the skillet. Cover and cook for another 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.
Save We love gathering around the table to share this skillet meal, especially when everyone gets to add extra basil or Parmesan on top.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or sauté pan (with lid), mixing bowls, wooden spoon or spatula, grater
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (pasta, breadcrumbs), egg, and milk (cheese). May contain gluten depending on ingredients used. Always check labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 590, Total Fat 25 g, Carbohydrates 54 g, Protein 34 g
Save Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy bite—this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → What type of pasta works best for this skillet?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli holds the sauce well and cooks evenly in the skillet, making them ideal choices.
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other proteins?
Yes, you can swap ground beef for pork, turkey, or plant-based mince depending on preference or dietary needs.
- → How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart during cooking?
Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat. Browning meatballs before adding sauce helps them hold shape.
- → What can I do if the sauce is too thick after simmering?
Adding a splash of water or broth will adjust the consistency and keep the pasta moist while cooking.
- → Are there options to make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to accommodate gluten-free dietary requirements without altering flavor much.
- → How should I garnish the dish for best flavor?
Fresh basil leaves add a fragrant, bright note that complements the rich tomato and cheese elements perfectly.