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 tried this skillet for a weeknight dinner after a busy day, and it quickly became a staple because everyone loved how flavorful and satisfying it was. It's versatile, comes together quickly, and reminds me of cozy gatherings around the table.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 400 g (14 oz), forms the base of the meatballs
- Breadcrumbs: 50 g (1/2 cup), provides texture to the meatballs
- Egg: 1 large, helps bind the meatball mixture
- Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp grated, adds flavor to meatballs
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, enhances savory taste
- Parsley: 2 tbsp fresh chopped or 1 tbsp dried, adds freshness
- Salt: 1/2 tsp, seasons the meatballs
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp, adds mild heat
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp, for browning and sautéing
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Bell pepper: 1, diced (red or yellow)
- Canned crushed tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz), forms the sauce
- Tomato passata or purée: 250 ml (1 cup)
- Dried Italian herbs: 1 tsp, for seasoning sauce
- Sugar: 1/2 tsp, balances acidity
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for the sauce
- Short pasta: 250 g (9 oz) penne, rigatoni, or fusilli
- Water or low-sodium chicken broth: 500 ml (2 cups)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 120 g (1 cup), topping
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp, topping
- 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 vegetables:
- Add remaining oil to the same 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.
- 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 and cook:
- 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.
- Add cheese topping:
- 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.
Pin it This dish is always a family favorite when we gather for a busy weeknight—everyone loves scooping it straight from the skillet and sharing stories over a steaming, cheesy meal.
Required Tools
You'll need a large deep skillet with lid, mixing bowls, a wooden spoon, spatula, and a grater for prepping ingredients.
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (pasta, breadcrumbs), egg, milk (cheese). May contain gluten depending on pasta/breadcrumbs. Always check ingredient labels for cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Each serving: 590 calories, 25 g total fat, 54 g carbohydrates, 34 g protein.
Pin it This skillet is perfect paired with a green salad and crusty bread. Enjoy leftovers heated up for a satisfying lunch the next day.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you keep meatballs tender in the skillet?
Combining breadcrumbs and an egg helps retain moisture. Simmering gently in sauce also prevents them from drying out.
- → Can I use different pasta shapes for this dish?
Yes, short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works best to hold the sauce and complement the meatballs.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor of the tomato sauce?
Dried Italian herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme create a rich, aromatic base when simmered with tomatoes.
- → Is it possible to substitute ground beef with other proteins?
Absolutely. You can swap beef for pork, turkey, or plant-based mince depending on your preference.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Add chili flakes during the sauce preparation to introduce a gentle kick without overpowering flavors.