Get ready to transform your dinner routine with the most incredible, flavor-packed one-pot wonder that'll have your family begging for seconds! This Italian-inspired masterpiece combines tender, juicy meatballs, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luxuriously creamy tomato sauce that comes together in just 40 minutes. Say goodbye to multiple dirty pots and hello to a hassle-free, restaurant-quality meal that'll make you feel like a culinary genius!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, combine ground beef with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and form into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter.
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and brown the meatballs on all sides, cooking for approximately 5-6 minutes until they develop a golden exterior. Remove meatballs and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, pour the marinara sauce and add uncooked pasta. Stir to ensure pasta is evenly coated with sauce.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce and pasta mixture. Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Check pasta for doneness and ensure meatballs are cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, mixing gently to create a creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir until cheese is melted and fully incorporated.
- Remove from heat, let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken, and serve hot.
Tips
- Meat Matters: Use ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20) for juicier, more flavorful meatballs.
- Seasoning Secrets: Don't be shy with the Italian seasoning and salt. Taste and adjust before adding the meatballs to ensure maximum flavor.
- Meatball Magic: When forming meatballs, wet your hands slightly to prevent the meat from sticking and create smoother, more uniform balls.
- Pasta Precision: Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Temperature Check: Always ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety.
- Cream Control: Add heavy cream at the end and keep the heat low to prevent curdling.
- Cheese Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor profile.
- Resting Ritual: Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 928kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 26g
Cholesterol: mg
