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