One-pan dish with tender meatballs, tomato sauce, pasta, and melted cheese for a cozy meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meatballs
01 - 14 oz ground beef
02 - ½ cup breadcrumbs
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped or 1 tbsp dried parsley
07 - ½ tsp salt
08 - ¼ tsp black pepper
→ Sauce and Pasta
09 - 2 tbsp olive oil
10 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
11 - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
12 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
13 - 1 cup tomato passata or purée
14 - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
15 - ½ tsp sugar
16 - Salt and black 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 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
21 - Fresh basil leaves for garnish
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl and mix until just combined. Form into 16 to 18 small meatballs, approximately 1 tablespoon each.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove meatballs from pan and set aside.
03 - Add remaining olive oil to the same skillet. Sauté the chopped onion and diced bell pepper until softened, about 3 minutes.
04 - Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato passata, dried Italian herbs, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer.
05 - Incorporate pasta and water or broth into the skillet, stirring well. Nestle browned meatballs into the sauce.
06 - Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and meatballs are cooked through. Add a splash of water if the mixture becomes too dry.
07 - Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, until cheese has melted and is bubbly.
08 - Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately, directly from the skillet.
