Name: Meatballs with Mozzarella Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef ); ½ cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ small onion, finely chopped; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or 3 cups marinara sauce; 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed or shredded; 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley; 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, etc.)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers classic Italian-American comfort with minimal fuss. The meatballs are flavorful and juicy, the sauce is rich and tomatoey, and the mozzarella melts beautifully into every bite. It’s easy to make ahead, bake as a casserole, or serve straight from the stovetop. Plus, it’s customizable—choose your pasta shape, spice level, and add-ins to make it your own.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
Breadcrumbs
Egg
Garlic, minced
Onion, finely chopped
Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and black pepper
Italian seasoning
Olive oil
Crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
Mozzarella cheese, cubed or shredded
Fresh basil or parsley
Your choice of pasta (penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, etc.)

Directions

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined.
Roll mixture into evenly sized meatballs (about 1½ inches in diameter).
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs on all sides until browned, then transfer to a plate.
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and pour in crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Return meatballs to the sauce and simmer for another 15–20 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Add cooked pasta to the skillet or combine in a large baking dish with meatballs and sauce. Stir gently to coat.
Top with mozzarella cheese and place under the broiler or in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: about 55 minutes

Variations

Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or sauce.
Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Place a small cube of mozzarella inside each meatball before cooking.
Baked Casserole: Layer pasta, meatballs, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.
Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meat or vegetarian meatballs and a vegetarian marinara sauce.
Different Pasta: Use any pasta shape—short varieties like penne and rigatoni hold sauce well.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or sauce.
You can also microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Freeze meatballs and sauce separately (or together with pasta) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked or frozen meatballs. Just heat them in the sauce until warmed through.

What’s the best pasta to use?

Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti all work well. Choose your favorite or whatever you have on hand.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. Form them in advance and refrigerate for up to a day, or freeze them uncooked for later use.

How do I keep meatballs from falling apart?

Don’t overmix the meat mixture and make sure to include the egg and breadcrumbs—they help bind the meatballs together.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until browned and cooked through.

Is fresh mozzarella better than shredded?

Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and gives a rich texture, but shredded mozzarella works great and is easier to distribute.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs.

What herbs work best for garnish?

Fresh basil or parsley add a bright, fresh finish that balances the richness of the dish.

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s mild as written, but you can adjust the spice level easily with chili flakes or hot sauce.

What sides go well with this dish?

Serve with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Meatballs with Mozzarella Pasta is a classic comfort dish that combines simple ingredients into a flavorful, satisfying meal. With melty cheese, tender meatballs, and rich sauce, it’s the kind of dish that brings people together. Whether you’re feeding a family or making it ahead for easy leftovers, this pasta is a dependable favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Meatballs with Mozzarella Pasta

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Meatballs with Mozzarella Pasta is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish featuring tender homemade meatballs simmered in tomato sauce, tossed with pasta, and topped with melty mozzarella. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop, Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until just combined.
Form into 1½-inch meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, then transfer to a plate.
Add a bit more oil if needed and pour in crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Return meatballs to the skillet. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until fully cooked.
Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Combine cooked pasta with meatballs and sauce in the skillet or a large baking dish. Stir gently to coat.
Top with mozzarella and broil or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5–10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Use shredded mozzarella for even coverage, or fresh mozzarella for rich texture.
Make meatballs ahead and refrigerate or freeze for later.
Bake meatballs instead of pan-frying for an easier, hands-off method.
To make gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
Add chili flakes or hot sauce to spice things up.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 580
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 690mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 100mg