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 first made this Italian Meatball Pasta Skillet when I wanted a cozy dinner that would please everyone at the table. The combination of juicy meatballs, savory sauce, and gooey melted cheese always brings back memories of laughter-filled weeknights in our kitchen.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 400 g (14 oz)
- Breadcrumbs: 50 g (1/2 cup)
- Egg: 1 large
- Parmesan cheese (for meatballs): 2 tbsp grated
- 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
- 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 and 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 cheese: 120 g (1 cup)
- Parmesan cheese (for topping): 2 tbsp grated
- 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 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.
- Add pasta & 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.
- Add cheese:
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the skillet. Cover and cook for another 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish & serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.
Save This meal always brings my family together around the dinner table, and there are never any leftovers. It's the kind of dish that makes everyone ask for seconds.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta skillet with a simple green salad and some crusty bread on the side for a full Italian-inspired meal.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (pasta, breadcrumbs), egg, and milk (cheese). Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs if needed and always check product labels.
Required Tools
You'll need a large deep skillet with a lid, mixing bowls, a wooden spoon or spatula, and a grater to prepare this recipe.
Save Enjoy this Italian Meatball Pasta Skillet straight from the pan for maximum comfort. Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use other meats instead of beef?
Yes, ground pork, turkey, or plant-based mince can be used as alternatives for the meatballs while maintaining great flavor and texture.
- → What pasta types work best in this skillet dish?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold the sauce well and cook evenly alongside the meatballs.
- → How do I ensure the meatballs stay tender?
Mixing breadcrumbs, egg, and Parmesan into the ground beef helps bind and soften the meatballs, keeping them tender during cooking.
- → Can I add spice to this dish?
Absolutely! Adding chili flakes during the sauce preparation adds a nice spicy kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substituting gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs allows for a gluten-free version that still tastes delicious.
- → What cheese is used for the topping?
A combination of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top and melted for a rich, creamy finish.