Hearty meatballs, tomato sauce, pasta, and cheese combine for a flavorful Italian skillet dinner.
# Ingredients:
→ Meatballs
01 - 14 oz ground beef
02 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped or 1 tablespoon dried parsley
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Sauce and Pasta
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
11 - 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)
12 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
13 - 1 cup tomato passata or tomato purée
14 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
15 - 1/2 teaspoon sugar
16 - Salt and pepper, to taste
17 - 9 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
18 - 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
→ Topping
19 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
20 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
21 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
# Directions:
01 - In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Shape into 16 to 18 meatballs, about 1 tablespoon each.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and sear until browned on all sides, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove meatballs and set aside.
03 - Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Sauté onion and diced bell pepper for 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
04 - Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato passata, dried Italian herbs, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
05 - Add short pasta and water or chicken broth. Mix well, then return meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
06 - Cover skillet and simmer over medium-low heat for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and meatballs are cooked through. Add extra water if necessary.
07 - Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the skillet. Cover and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 - Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot, directly from the skillet.
