Skillet Baked Meatball Parmesan Pasta

If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful dinner that comes together in one pan, look no further than this Skillet Baked Meatball Parmesan Pasta. This dish combines juicy, tender meatballs with perfectly cooked pasta, all smothered in a rich marinara sauce and topped with bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend family gatherings. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients and requires minimal cleanup, making it a winner in every kitchen.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• One-pan convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means less mess and easy cleanup.
• Comfort food at its best: Juicy meatballs, tender pasta, and melted cheese come together in a warm, hearty dish.
• Customizable and versatile: Use penne or rotini pasta, swap out herbs, or add veggies for your own twist.
• Perfectly balanced flavors: Garlic, oregano, and fresh parsley complement the savory meat and tangy marinara sauce beautifully.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this classic Italian-inspired meal.

What You’ll Gather

• 1 pound ground beef (choose lean for less grease)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley (fresh for best flavor)
• 1 egg (for binding the meatballs)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini works best)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Before You Start: Equipment

• Large oven-safe skillet: A 10-12 inch skillet with a lid or foil cover works well for cooking and baking.
• Mixing bowl: To combine meatball ingredients thoroughly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the sauce and pasta.
• Colander: To drain pasta if necessary.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.

Cook Skillet Baked Meatball Parmesan Pasta Like This

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Form and Brown the Meatballs

Heat the olive oil in your oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Shape the meat mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch). Add them to the skillet in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove the meatballs and set aside.

Step 3: Combine Sauce and Pasta

In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce and bring it to a simmer. Add the uncooked pasta directly into the sauce, stirring to coat well. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the sauce, adding a splash of water if needed.

Step 4: Add Meatballs and Bake

Nestle the browned meatballs back into the skillet on top of the pasta and sauce mixture. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over everything. Cover the skillet with a lid or tightly with foil.

Step 5: Bake Until Tender and Melty

Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pasta is cooked al dente and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a bright, herbal note. Serve warm, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this skillet baked delight.

Fresh Takes Through the Year

• Spring: Add fresh peas or asparagus tips to the sauce for a seasonal twist.
• Summer: Swap marinara for a fresh tomato basil sauce and sprinkle with fresh mozzarella.
• Fall: Stir in sautéed mushrooms and a pinch of smoked paprika for a cozy, earthy flavor.
• Winter: Include roasted red peppers and a dash of red pepper flakes for warmth and depth.

Author’s Commentary

This Skillet Baked Meatball Parmesan Pasta has quickly become one of my go-to recipes when I want something hearty but fuss-free. Ground beef meatballs are seasoned simply but effectively, and baking everything together lets the flavors meld beautifully. The use of both Parmesan and mozzarella creates that irresistible cheesy crust that’s the highlight of any baked pasta dish.

For a little extra zing, try adding a splash of red wine to the marinara sauce before simmering, or sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. If you want to experiment beyond beef, ground turkey or lamb can be delicious alternatives, adapting the seasoning accordingly.

When I’m feeling particularly inspired, I sometimes pair this with lighter sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to keep the meal balanced.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

• Storing: Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven (covered with foil) at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Add a splash of water or marinara sauce if it seems dry.

Skillet Baked Meatball Parmesan Pasta Q&A

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne and rotini hold sauce well and maintain their shape nicely, you can also use rigatoni, ziti, or even small shells. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the pasta shape and size.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or use lentils mixed with breadcrumbs and seasonings to create vegetarian “meatballs.” Also, consider adding extra vegetables to the sauce to boost flavor and texture.

Do I need to precook the pasta before baking?

Nope! The pasta cooks right in the marinara sauce during baking, absorbing all those wonderful flavors. Just make sure there’s enough liquid in the skillet to avoid drying out. Adding a little water if needed helps.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Definitely. You can prepare and brown the meatballs a day ahead, store them in the refrigerator, and then assemble and bake the pasta dish when ready. This makes weeknight dinners even easier.

Similar Recipes

• Meatballs With Tomato Sauce And Rice – A comforting classic with tender meatballs served alongside fluffy rice.
• Traditional Pasta Bolognese Classic – Rich, meaty sauce simmered to perfection and served over your favorite pasta.
• Four Cheese Baked Ziti – A cheesy baked pasta dish that’s creamy, gooey, and irresistible.

Next Steps

Ready to elevate your dinner routine? Keep this Skillet Baked Meatball Parmesan Pasta recipe in your weeknight rotation for a meal that feels special without hours in the kitchen. Try pairing it with a fresh Caesar salad or garlic bread for a complete feast. Don’t forget to experiment with the fresh takes listed above to keep things exciting all year long.

When you’re craving more hearty, comforting dishes, check out the linked recipes for inspiration, and don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste. Happy cooking!

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