The Perfect Meatballs And Rice Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Succulent homemade meatballs dancing atop fluffy rice create a comforting meal that sparks memories of grandmother’s kitchen.

Comfort flows through every bite of this classic dish.

Tender meat mingles with aromatic spices, promising a delightful culinary experience.

Simple ingredients come together with minimal effort to craft something truly special.

Crafting these meatballs feels like an intimate conversation with tradition.

Each forkful connects you to generations of home cooking wisdom.

Let this recipe become your new weekend favorite that brings warmth to your table.

Meatballs and Rice Done Right

• Streamline Meal Preparation: Combines protein, grains, and vegetables in one simple skillet, reducing cooking steps and dirty dishes.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping meatballs, adding different herbs, or using alternative vegetables based on preferences or pantry availability.
• Quick Family Comfort: Delivers a hearty, satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults with familiar, comforting flavors and minimal complex ingredients.
• Nutrition Packed Plate: Balances protein from meatballs, complex carbohydrates from rice, and vitamins from added green peas and herbs, creating a well-rounded meal in minutes.

What You’ll Need to Prepare Meatballs and Rice

• Meatballs: Classic protein base for a hearty and satisfying meal.
• Beef Broth: Provides rich flavor and moisture to enhance the overall dish.

• Rice: Serves as the primary starch and creates a comforting base for the meatballs.

• Garlic, Garlic Powder: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the entire dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
• Green Onions, Parsley: Fresh herbs that provide brightness and a pop of color.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and preventing ingredients from sticking.
• Frozen Peas: Adds a touch of sweetness and additional nutrition to the meal.

Cooking Instructions for Meatballs and Rice

Step 1: Prep the Meatballs

If using frozen meatballs, let them thaw slightly in the microwave for a couple of minutes to make cooking easier.

Step 2: Sizzle the Skillet

Heat a large high-sided skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in some olive oil to create a flavorful base.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Add minced garlic to the hot skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until the kitchen fills with its aromatic fragrance.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

Introduce the meatballs to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, turning them to get a nice golden-brown exterior.

Step 5: Build the One-Pot Wonder

• Rice
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together to create a harmonious mixture.

Step 6: Simmer and Settle

Bring the skillet to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Give it a gentle stir at the 15-minute mark to prevent rice from sticking.

Step 7: Check for Perfection

Once the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid, remove the skillet from heat. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 8: Add Fresh Touches

• Frozen peas
• Green onions
• Chopped parsley (optional)

Cover the skillet for a few minutes to warm the peas and blend the flavors.

Step 9: Serve with Style

Dish out this comforting meal hot.

Pair it with a crisp green salad or serve over a bed of fresh spinach for an extra nutritious boost.

Tips to Achieve Perfect Meatballs and Rice Every Time

• Partially defrost frozen meatballs in the microwave for even cooking and reduced preparation time.
• Sauté minced garlic briefly to release its aromatic oils and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Gently stir the rice at the 15-minute mark to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking throughout the skillet.
• Add frozen peas and fresh herbs like green onions and parsley for a nutritional boost and vibrant color contrast.
• Serve over spinach or alongside a crisp green salad to create a balanced and nutritious meal with minimal extra effort.

Variations That Bring New Life to Meatballs and Rice

• Mediterranean Meatball Bowl: Replace beef broth with chicken stock, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwestern Meatball Rice: Mix in diced jalapeños, use taco seasoning instead of garlic powder, and top with cilantro and lime zest for a zesty kick.
• Asian-Inspired Meatball Skillet: Swap beef broth for low-sodium soy sauce, add ginger, sesame oil, and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
• Tomato Basil Meatball Rice: Stir in marinara sauce, use Italian herbs, and finish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese for an Italian flair.

Side Dishes That Pair Well with Meatballs and Rice

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Bright, buttery white wine complements the savory meatballs and cuts through the richness of the dish, balancing the garlic and beef flavors.
• Serve with Tangy Cucumber Salad: Fresh, cool cucumber salad with dill and light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty meatballs and rice, adding brightness to the meal.
• Enhance with Roasted Garlic Bread: Crusty, warm garlic bread soaks up the delicious broth and adds a crunchy texture that perfectly matches the soft rice and tender meatballs.
• Top with Crumbled Feta Cheese: Salty, creamy feta sprinkled on top adds a Mediterranean twist, bringing extra tang and richness to the one-pan meal.

Storage Advice to Keep Meatballs and Rice Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled meatballs and rice to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat for the meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or lamb for variety and different flavor profiles.

• How do I know if the rice is cooked properly?

The rice is done when it’s tender and has absorbed all the liquid. You’ll see the grains are soft and fluffy, not hard or crunchy.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! The recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients like rice, meatballs, and frozen peas, making it an economical meal that feeds multiple people.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and rice in advance and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Meatballs And Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Swedish meatballs nestled on fluffy rice create a comforting Scandinavian classic that sings with rich, savory flavors. Creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned meat bring warmth to your dinner table, inviting you to savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound homemade or store-bought meatballs

Main Grains and Liquid:

• 1 1/2 cups uncooked rice, rinsed
• 3 cups beef broth

Seasonings and Additions:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
• 1 1/2 cups frozen peas (adjust to preference)
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Partially defrost frozen meatballs in microwave for 1-2 minutes to ensure even cooking.
2. Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Sauté minced garlic for 60 seconds until aromatic and golden, releasing its robust flavor.
4. Introduce meatballs to the skillet, browning for 2-3 minutes to develop a crispy exterior.
5. Cascade beef broth into the pan, then incorporate rice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly.
6. Elevate heat to boiling point, then immediately reduce to low, covering with a tight-fitting lid to trap steam.
7. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, gently stirring around the 15-minute mark to prevent rice from clinging to pan bottom.
8. Verify rice tenderness and liquid absorption; remove from heat and taste for potential seasoning adjustments.
9. Fold in frozen peas, chopped green onions, and fresh parsley, allowing residual heat to warm ingredients.
10. Plate immediately, optionally serving atop crisp spinach leaves or alongside a vibrant green salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• Microwave thawing works best when done in short bursts to prevent partially cooking the meatballs.
• Use homemade or high-quality frozen meatballs for enhanced flavor and texture.
• Consider using brown rice for added nutritional value and a nuttier taste profile.
• Gluten-free alternative is possible by selecting gluten-free meatballs and checking broth ingredients.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg