Pin 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 pasta skillet on a busy weeknight when I wanted something filling but didn't want a mountain of dishes. The aroma of the bubbling tomato sauce and melting cheese always gets the whole family excited for dinner.
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Ingredients
- Ground beef: 400 g (14 oz) for juicy, flavorful meatballs
- Breadcrumbs: 50 g (1/2 cup) for binding the meatballs
- Egg: 1 large, adds richness and holds the mixture together
- Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp grated, gives savory flavor to the meatballs
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced for extra depth
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped (or 1 tbsp dried) for a hint of color and freshness
- Salt: 1/2 tsp to balance flavors in the meatballs
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp for subtle spice
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp, used for sautéing and browning
- Onion: 1 small finely chopped, adds sweetness to the sauce
- Bell pepper: 1 diced (red or yellow) for a pop of color
- Crushed tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz) as the sauce base
- Tomato passata: 250 ml (1 cup) or purée for a smooth texture
- Dried Italian herbs: 1 tsp to create the classic flavor
- Sugar: 1/2 tsp, balances the tang of tomatoes
- Salt and pepper: To taste for seasoning
- Short pasta: 250 g (9 oz), penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well
- Water or chicken broth: 500 ml (2 cups) for cooking the pasta
- Mozzarella cheese: 120 g (1 cup) shredded for gooey topping
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp for extra savory bite
- Fresh basil leaves: For garnish at the end
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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 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.
- Make the Sauce:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato passata, Italian herbs, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta and Meatballs:
- Add the pasta and water/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.
- Add 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. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.
Pin This skillet is always a hit at my house, especially when we gather around the table for a cozy weekend meal. The kids love piling their plates high and scooping up extra cheese strings from the skillet.
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Required Tools
Large deep skillet with lid, mixing bowls, wooden spoon or spatula, grater
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (pasta, breadcrumbs), Egg, Milk (cheese). May contain gluten depending on brands—always read packaging if sensitivities apply.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides: 590 calories, 25 g total fat, 54 g carbohydrates, and 34 g protein.
Pin 
This Italian meatball pasta skillet brings the warmth of home-cooked comfort to any night. Serve straight from the pan for the ultimate family-style experience.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use different meats for the meatballs?
Yes, ground pork, turkey, or plant-based mince are great alternatives that work well with the flavors and texture.
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli holds up nicely and evenly cooks in the sauce.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Swap traditional pasta and breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
- → Can I add a spicy kick to the sauce?
Absolutely, adding chili flakes while simmering the sauce offers a subtle heat that complements the savory ingredients.
- → What cheese works best for topping?
Mozzarella melts beautifully for creaminess, while a sprinkle of Parmesan adds depth and savory notes.
