Description
Meatballs and Rice is a simple, hearty dish that combines flavorful homemade meatballs with tender rice, creating a perfect comfort meal. The savory meatballs are simmered in a rich sauce, infusing the rice with their delicious flavor. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is sure to please the entire family.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or pork)
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 large egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Rice:
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1 cup long-grain white rice
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2 cups beef or chicken broth (or water)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 onion, chopped
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
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1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
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1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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1. Make the Meatballs:
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In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using). Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
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Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and set them aside on a plate.
2. Brown the Meatballs:
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In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove them from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Rice:
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In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat it with the oil and onions. Add the broth, salt, and pepper, then bring to a simmer.
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Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the rice cook for 18-20 minutes, or until tender and the liquid is absorbed.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
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While the rice is cooking, make the sauce. In a separate saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, and sugar (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
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Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
5. Combine Meatballs and Rice:
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Once the rice is cooked, nestle the browned meatballs into the rice, spooning some sauce over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for an additional 10-12 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve:
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Serve the meatballs and rice hot, with extra sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
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Notes
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Rice: You can use different types of rice, such as brown rice or jasmine rice, but adjust the cooking times accordingly.
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Meatballs: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and herbs in the meatball mixture to suit your tastes. Adding some crushed red pepper flakes will give the dish a little kick.
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Sauce Variations: For a creamier sauce, you can stir in a little heavy cream or sour cream at the end.
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Freezer-Friendly: Both the meatballs and the rice can be made ahead and frozen. Simply store them in an airtight container and reheat when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg