There’s something incredibly comforting about a meal that comes together in just one skillet—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor! This Meatballs and Rice dish is the perfect combination of juicy, tender meatballs and fluffy, flavorful rice, all simmered together in a rich, savory sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Trust me, you’re going to want to add this to your regular dinner rotation!
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Why You’ll Love Meatballs and Rice
One-Pan Wonder: Less mess, less cleanup, and more time to enjoy your meal.
Packed with Flavor: The meatballs infuse the rice with rich, meaty goodness as they cook together.
Easy and Hearty: A satisfying meal made with simple ingredients you probably already have.
Customizable: Swap the protein, adjust the seasoning, or add extra veggies to suit your taste.
Ingredients in Meatballs and Rice
This dish is made with pantry staples but delivers big on flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ground Beef or Turkey: The star of the dish, providing rich, meaty flavor.
Breadcrumbs & Egg: Helps bind the meatballs, keeping them tender and juicy.
Garlic & Onion: Adds depth and aromatic goodness to both the meatballs and rice.
Rice: Long-grain rice absorbs all the flavors while cooking to fluffy perfection.
Beef or Chicken Broth: Infuses the rice with extra savory richness.
Tomato Sauce: Gives the dish a slightly tangy, saucy element.
Paprika & Italian Seasoning: Brings warmth and complexity to the dish.
Olive Oil: For browning the meatballs to perfection.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Make the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and seasoning. Roll into small meatballs.
Sear the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté diced onion and garlic until fragrant.
Add the Rice & Liquid: Stir in the rice, broth, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Simmer Everything Together: Nestle the meatballs back into the skillet, cover, and let simmer until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
Fluff & Serve: Remove from heat, let it rest for a few minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
How to Serve Meatballs and Rice
Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro adds freshness.
Grated Parmesan: For an extra layer of savory goodness.
Side Salad: A crisp green salad balances the richness of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
Additional Tips
Use a Nonstick or Cast Iron Skillet: This prevents sticking and helps with even cooking.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the meatballs ahead and store them in the fridge or freezer.
Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, peas, or spinach for a nutritional boost.
Storage Tips: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use brown rice?
A1: Yes, but you’ll need to increase the liquid and cooking time.
Q2: Can I make this in the oven?
A2: Yes! After browning the meatballs, bake everything at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes.
Q3: What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
A3: You can substitute with crushed tomatoes or a mix of broth and tomato paste.
Q4: Can I freeze leftovers?
A4: Yes! Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.
Q5: How do I reheat without drying out the rice?
A5: Add a splash of broth or water and heat on the stovetop or microwave.
Q6: Can I make this spicy?
A6: Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
Q7: What’s the best type of rice to use?
A7: Long-grain white rice works best, but jasmine or basmati are great too.
Q8: Can I make this dairy-free?
A8: Yes, just skip the Parmesan and ensure your breadcrumbs are dairy-free.
Q9: What’s the best way to shape meatballs?
A9: Wet your hands slightly to prevent the mixture from sticking.
Q10: Can I make this with pre-made frozen meatballs?
A10: Yes! Just brown them and proceed with the recipe.
This One-Skillet Meatballs and Rice is a simple yet satisfying meal that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a meal-prep favorite, this recipe is a keeper. Enjoy!
Print
Meatballs and Rice Recipe (One Skillet)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy one-pot meal is perfect for busy nights! Tender meatballs, fluffy rice, and peas come together in just 30 minutes. Use store-bought meatballs for an even quicker dinner!
Ingredients
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2 teaspoons olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 pound homemade or store-bought meatballs
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3 cups beef broth*
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1 1/2 cups uncooked rice, rinsed
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste)
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1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
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1 1/2 cups frozen peas (adjust to preference)
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1/2 cup green onions, chopped
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
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If using frozen meatballs, thaw them slightly in the microwave for a couple of minutes.
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Heat a large high-sided skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
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Sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the meatballs and cook for 2-3 minutes.
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Pour in the beef broth, then add rice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring at 15 minutes to prevent sticking.
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Once the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, remove from heat. Adjust seasoning if needed.
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Stir in the frozen peas, green onions, and parsley (if using). Cover for a few minutes until the peas are warm.
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Serve hot with a fresh green salad or over a bed of spinach for extra greens!
Notes
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For extra flavor, swap beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth.
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You can mix in spinach at the end for added greens.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg