why make this recipe
One Pot Meatball Pasta is a fantastic choice for a busy weeknight dinner. It’s quick, easy, and requires minimal cleanup, which means you can enjoy your meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of flavorful meatballs, tender pasta, and rich marinara sauce will please any crowd, making it a family favorite. Plus, cooking everything in one pot means that the flavors meld beautifully, creating a delicious sauce while the pasta cooks.
how to make One Pot Meatball Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 2 cups water
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into small meatballs.
- In a large pot, heat over medium heat. Brown the meatballs until they are cooked through.
- Remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside.
- Add the pasta, marinara sauce, and water to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Simmer until the pasta is cooked and the sauce starts to thicken.
- Add the meatballs back into the pot and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish your dish with fresh basil before serving hot.
how to serve One Pot Meatball Pasta
Serve One Pot Meatball Pasta hot, straight from the pot. You can dish it out into bowls and top it with more grated parmesan cheese if desired. A side of garlic bread or a simple salad pairs well with this meal, making it perfect for any occasion.
how to store One Pot Meatball Pasta
To store any leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stove or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
tips to make One Pot Meatball Pasta
- For added flavor, use Italian sausage instead of ground beef or mix them together.
- You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the pasta as it cooks for a healthier twist.
- Make sure to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
variation
You can switch up the type of pasta you use, such as spaghetti or fusilli, depending on your preference. Additionally, using different meats like turkey or chicken can change the flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, try using plant-based meat for the meatballs.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs instead of making your own. Just add them to the pot along with the pasta and sauce, and cook until heated through.
2. What can I serve on the side?
A fresh garden salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables make great side dishes for this meal.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Just combine everything and heat it up when you’re ready to serve.
One Pot Meatball Pasta
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 jar marinara sauce (24 ounces)
- 2 cups water
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into small meatballs.
Cooking
- In a large pot, heat over medium heat. Brown the meatballs until they are cooked through.
- Remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside.
- Add the pasta, marinara sauce, and water to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Simmer until the pasta is cooked and the sauce starts to thicken.
- Add the meatballs back into the pot and stir gently to combine.
Serving
- Garnish your dish with fresh basil before serving hot.
- Serve hot, straight from the pot, and top with more grated parmesan cheese if desired.