If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that fills the soul and warms the heart, this Meatballs and Rice in Tomato Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful combination of tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, nestled perfectly on a bed of fluffy, savory rice. This dish brings together simple, affordable ingredients in a way that feels both homely and special, making it an instant favorite for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you—each component here plays an essential role, bringing a harmony of flavors and textures that make this dish sing. From the herbs that add fragrance to the meatballs, to the rice that soaks up all the luscious sauce, every item is a building block of perfection.
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or pork): The base protein, giving the meatballs their juicy and hearty texture.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them tender.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a subtle salty sharpness and depth of flavor.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth to the meatballs.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses an earthy, Mediterranean note.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Lends a sweet, peppery flavor to the mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances the overall taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle heat and spicy undertone.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds bright, fresh color and flavor.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: The perfect grain to soak up all those delicious tomato juices.
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth (or water): Cooks the rice while boosting flavor complexity.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for browning meatballs and sautéing aromatics, contributing a smooth richness.
- 1/2 onion, chopped: Adds a sweet, mellow base to the rice and sauce.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Enhances the savory profile of the dish.
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes: The heart of the tomato sauce—bright, tangy, and vibrant.
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth: Keeps the sauce luscious and balanced.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings classic Italian charm.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional): Cuts the acidity of the tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Final seasoning to perfect the flavor.
How to Make Meatballs and Rice in Tomato Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
Start by combining your ground meat with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley if you’re using it. Mix everything gently; you want the ingredients well incorporated but not overworked to keep the meatballs tender. Shape the mixture into about 1 1/2-inch meatballs—just the right size for even cooking.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan so they brown beautifully on all sides. This step locks in the juices and gives the meatballs a gorgeous crust. After about 5 to 7 minutes, transfer them to a plate while you prepare the rice and sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics and Rice
Using the same skillet, toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes until everything smells wonderfully fragrant and the onions are translucent. Then add the rice, stirring to coat it in the oil and aromatics, infusing every grain with flavor. Pour in the broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let the rice cook for about 18 to 20 minutes or until tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce
While the rice cooks, it’s sauce time. In a separate saucepan, warm another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, and sugar if you like to mellow the acidity. Season with salt and pepper and let the sauce simmer for five minutes. This short cooking time helps the flavors meld beautifully, creating a bright and balanced sauce.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Once your rice is cooked, nestle the browned meatballs right into the rice bed. Spoon generous amounts of tomato sauce over the top, then cover the skillet with a lid. Let everything simmer together for another 10 to 12 minutes. This final simmer allows the meatballs to finish cooking inside the sauce while the rice absorbs even more tomatoey goodness. The result is a dish bursting with comforting, vibrant flavor.
How to Serve Meatballs and Rice in Tomato Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top add not only a lovely pop of green but also a fresh brightness that cuts through the richness. For an extra touch, a little grated Parmesan cheese over the finished dish can elevate the flavor and give a nice salty finish.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your meal, crisp green salads or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans add a fresh contrast. A rustic crusty bread is also fantastic to soak up any extra sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try serving the meatballs over a neat mound of rice on each plate and drizzle the tomato sauce artistically around. Alternatively, bake the combined rice, meatballs, and sauce in an ovenproof dish with a topping of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan for a bubbly, golden crust that’s sure to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Meatballs and Rice in Tomato Sauce Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date so you can enjoy it at its best.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of broth or water to loosen things up. Cover while reheating to keep all those wonderful juices in place.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat for the meatballs?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, ground turkey, chicken, or pork all work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be mindful of cooking times as leaner meats may cook a bit faster.
Is it necessary to brown the meatballs first?
Browning the meatballs gives them a delicious caramelized crust and locks in their juices. Skipping this step is possible but results in less flavor and a softer texture.
Can I use instant rice instead of long-grain rice?
Instant rice cooks much faster and absorbs less liquid, so it’s not ideal for this recipe where the rice simmers slowly with the meatballs in sauce. Long-grain rice gives the best texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese if I don’t have any?
You can substitute with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or simply omit it. The meatballs will still be tasty but lose a little umami depth.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and comforting, but you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or sauce if you like a bit of heat.
Final Thoughts
This Meatballs and Rice in Tomato Sauce Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a hug on a plate, ready to bring comfort and joy anytime you need it. Simple ingredients transform into something so satisfying and flavorful that it will quickly become a go-to in your recipe collection. I encourage you to dive in, make it your own, and share this warm, delicious dish with those you love.
Print
Meatballs and Rice in Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This comforting recipe features tender, flavorful meatballs cooked alongside fluffy rice in a savory tomato sauce. Ground beef meatballs are seasoned with herbs, garlic, and Parmesan, browned to perfection, and then simmered with rice absorbed in broth and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect as a hearty and satisfying weeknight meal for four.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley if using. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on a plate, ready for cooking.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Rice: Add rice to the skillet with onions and stir to coat with oil. Pour in broth, salt, and pepper, and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the Rice: Lower heat to low, cover skillet, and cook rice for 18-20 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, and optional sugar. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer the Tomato Sauce: Bring sauce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Finish Cooking: Once rice is done, nestle browned meatballs into the rice. Spoon sauce over meatballs, cover skillet, and simmer for 10-12 minutes so meatballs cook through and flavors meld.
- Serve: Plate the meatballs and rice hot, spoon additional sauce on the side, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork as preferred.
- Using fresh parsley enhances flavor but is optional.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste, especially if using broth with added sodium.
- Adding sugar to tomato sauce helps balance acidity but can be omitted for a more natural flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when browning meatballs to ensure even cooking.
