Pin it 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 first made this Italian Meatball Pasta Skillet for Sunday dinner, and it quickly became a household favorite. Making everything in one pan means easy cleanup and plenty of time to relax at the table.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 400 g (14 oz), the base for tender meatballs
- Breadcrumbs: 50 g (1/2 cup), helps bind and add texture to the meatballs
- Egg: 1 large, adds moisture and structure
- Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp grated, adds savory depth
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, brings rich flavor
- Parsley: 2 tbsp fresh chopped (or 1 tbsp dried), for freshness
- Salt: 1/2 tsp, to season
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp, for mild heat
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp, for sauteing
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped, sweetens the sauce
- Bell pepper: 1, diced (red or yellow), adds color and crunch
- Crushed tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz), creamy tomato base
- Tomato passata or puree: 250 ml (1 cup), boosts flavor and texture
- Dried Italian herbs: 1 tsp, classic seasoning
- Sugar: 1/2 tsp, balances acidity
- Salt and pepper: to taste, for seasoning
- Short pasta: 250 g (9 oz), penne, rigatoni, or fusilli
- Water or low-sodium chicken broth: 500 ml (2 cups), helps cook the pasta and meatballs
- Mozzarella cheese: 120 g (1 cup) shredded, melts over the top
- Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp grated, for extra richness
- Fresh basil leaves: for garnish
Instructions
- Make the 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 the Meatballs:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and brown on all sides for 5–6 minutes. Remove meatballs and set aside.
- Sauté Veggies:
- Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3 minutes until softened.
- Make the Sauce:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato passata, Italian herbs, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook Pasta and Meatballs:
- Add the pasta and water or broth. Stir well, then return 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.
- Finish with Cheese:
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the skillet. Cover and cook for another 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot, straight from the skillet.
Pin it Sharing this skillet meal with my family, everyone reaches for seconds and there's usually a cheerful scramble for the last meatball.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to round out your meal, or serve alongside roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner.
Recipe Variations
Try swapping the ground beef for turkey or plant-based mince, or adding chili flakes for a little heat. Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or in the microwave until warmed through.
Pin it Dig in while the cheese is still gooey and the skillet is hot. This simple Italian favorite brings everyone together at the dinner table.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pasta works best in this dish?
Short pasta shapes such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold the sauce well and cook evenly alongside the meatballs.
- → Can I substitute beef in the meatballs?
Yes, pork, turkey, or plant-based mince can be used to adapt the dish to your preference.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from sticking during cooking?
Stir occasionally while simmering and add a splash of water or broth if needed to keep the sauce loose and pasta separated.
- → What cheese blend enhances the flavor best?
A combination of shredded mozzarella for meltiness and grated Parmesan for sharpness creates a rich topping.
- → Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?
Substitute regular pasta and breadcrumbs with certified gluten-free alternatives to maintain texture and taste.