⏱ Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
🍽 Servings
4–6 servings
📝 Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Pasta Skillet
- 300 g (10 oz) short pasta (penne, rotini, or macaroni)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Meatballs
In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently. Roll into small meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked). Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Build the Creamy Base
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in milk, cream, and beef broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
3️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Add uncooked pasta directly to the skillet. Stir, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
4️⃣ Add Meatballs & Cheese
Return meatballs to the skillet. Sprinkle in cheddar and mozzarella, plus Italian seasoning and chili flakes. Stir gently until cheese melts and meatballs are cooked through.
Season with salt and pepper as needed.
5️⃣ Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot straight from the skillet.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Swap beef for chicken or turkey meatballs
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies
- Use smoked cheddar for a deeper flavor
- For extra creaminess, stir in 2 tbsp cream cheese