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 on a busy weeknight when I needed something filling and comforting for the whole family. The delicious aroma brought everyone to the kitchen before it was even done simmering.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 400 g (14 oz) for juicy homemade meatballs
- Breadcrumbs: 50 g (1/2 cup), helps bind the meatballs
- Egg: 1 large, adds moisture and structure
- Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp grated for flavor in meatballs and topping
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for classic Italian taste
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped (or 1 tbsp dried) for color and freshness
- Salt: 1/2 tsp for seasoning
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp, for a hint of spice
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp, to brown meatballs and sauté vegetables
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped, for sweetness
- Bell pepper: 1, diced (red or yellow) for texture and color
- Canned crushed tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz) provides a rich sauce base
- Tomato passata or purée: 250 ml (1 cup) for extra depth
- Dried Italian herbs: 1 tsp, for seasoning
- Sugar: 1/2 tsp, to balance acidity
- Salt and pepper: to taste, for final seasoning
- Short pasta: 250 g (9 oz), such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli
- Water or low-sodium chicken broth: 500 ml (2 cups) for cooking pasta
- Mozzarella cheese: 120 g (1 cup) shredded, for melting on top
- Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp grated, for topping
- Fresh basil leaves: for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare 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 and Simmer:
- Add the pasta and water/broth. Stir well, then return the meatballs to the skillet nestling them into the sauce.
- Cook Until Tender:
- 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 We love sitting around the dinner table sharing stories while everyone helps themselves straight from the skillet. It always gets rave reviews from the kids and adults alike!
Recipe Variations
Try using different types of cheese like provolone or fontina for a twist. For extra veggies, add a handful of spinach or sliced mushrooms to the sauce before simmering.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Italian Meatball Pasta Skillet with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to soak up the rich tomato sauce. It also pairs well with a glass of red wine for adults.
Storage & Make Ahead
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth if needed. You can also prepare the meatballs ahead and freeze them unbaked for up to a month.
Save This dish combines everything you love about classic Italian comfort food in a single pan. Give it a try for an easy, satisfying dinner that's sure to become a family favorite!
Recipe Guide
- → What type of pasta works best in this dish?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli is ideal as it holds the sauce well and cooks evenly in the skillet.
- → Can I substitute the ground beef with other proteins?
Yes, ground pork, turkey, or plant-based mince can be used to suit dietary preferences while maintaining the dish’s texture.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from drying out during cooking?
Simmer the dish on medium-low heat and add a splash of water or broth as needed to keep the sauce moist and flavorful.
- → What cheeses are recommended for topping?
Mozzarella provides a gooey melt, while grated Parmesan adds sharpness, creating a delicious cheesy layer on top.
- → Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, meatballs can be shaped in advance and refrigerated before cooking, which helps save time on meal day.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives to accommodate gluten sensitivities.