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
Scale
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.
