Description
Garlic Butter Pizza Meatball Skillet is a cheesy one-pan dinner featuring juicy homemade halal beef meatballs simmered in rich garlic butter marinara sauce, topped with mozzarella and pepperoni-style halal beef slices, then baked until bubbly. This family-friendly meal combines the flavors of pizza and meatballs in one comforting skillet.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 1/2 lbs halal ground beef
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- For the Skillet:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 20-24 halal beef pepperoni slices (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into 20-24 meatballs.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the meatballs for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides. They do not need to be fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet.
- Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top, then add the halal beef pepperoni slices if using.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden, lightly browned cheese topping if desired.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve with garlic bread, pasta, or a salad.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan melt more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Add mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers for extra pizza-inspired toppings.
- An oven-safe cast-iron skillet works best for this recipe.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American