Name: Meatballs and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 egg; ¼ cup breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons milk; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup long grain white rice; 2 cups chicken or beef broth; 1 tablespoon butter (optional); Chopped parsley for garnish

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There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty dish like Meatballs and Rice — a true family favorite that blends juicy, flavorful meatballs with fluffy, perfectly seasoned rice in one glorious skillet. This recipe is easy enough for a busy weeknight, yet so satisfying and downright delicious that it’ll quickly earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. The combination of savory beef, aromatic herbs, creamy Parmesan, and just the right hint of garlic all comes together over a bed of tender rice, creating a meal that’s both classic and incredibly rewarding to make and eat.

Meatballs and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

For a truly memorable Meatballs and Rice experience, simplicity is key: every ingredient here brings distinct flavor, moisture, or texture, working in harmony for the tastiest result. Don’t be tempted to skip anything — even the smallest addition amps up the color and depth of this comforting classic!

Ground Beef: The hero of our meatballs; opt for 80/20 for juiciness without too much grease.
Egg: Helps bind everything together, so your meatballs hold their shape snugly.
Breadcrumbs: Locks in moisture and keeps the inside light and tender.
Milk: Softens the breadcrumbs and adds subtle richness.
Parmesan Cheese: Lends a nutty, salty punch that elevates the whole dish.
Garlic: Fresh minced cloves bring robust, savory undertones to the meatballs.
Onion Powder: Adds deep flavor quickly, without the bite or texture of fresh onions.
Dried Oregano: Classic Italian herb flavor that plays beautifully with beef.
Salt and Pepper: Don’t hold back — seasoning is everything here!
Olive Oil: For browning the meatballs and bringing out their best flavor.
Long Grain White Rice: Reliable, fluffy, and the perfect canvas for soaking up all the juices.
Chicken or Beef Broth: Cooks the rice with loads of extra flavor; skip water for maximum impact.
Butter (optional): A finishing touch for silken, rich rice (highly recommended!).
Chopped Parsley: For fresh, herbal color and finishing brightness.

How to Make Meatballs and Rice

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

In a roomy mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan, minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands (or a spoon if you prefer less mess) to gently mix until just combined — overmixing makes meatballs tough! Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, aiming for even sizes so they cook uniformly. This step is great for getting kids involved, or just to enjoy the meditative rhythm of shaping little spheres of flavor.

Step 2: Brown and Cook the Meatballs

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, carefully add the meatballs in a single layer — you should hear a satisfying sizzle. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, gently turning each one so they brown on all sides and cook through. If your skillet is on the smaller side, it’s better to brown in batches than crowd the pan. Once done, transfer the meatballs to a plate to rest while you move on to the rice.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Don’t wipe out the pan! All that fond (those tasty browned bits on the bottom) is pure flavor gold. Add the long grain white rice directly to the same skillet and stir it around for 1 to 2 minutes. This toasts the grains, building a subtle nutty flavor that’s so worth the extra minute.

Step 4: Simmer the Rice

Pour in your broth (chicken or beef both work beautifully), give it a good stir, and bring everything to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid’s absorbed. Don’t peek too much; every time the lid comes off, precious steam escapes! Finished rice should be tender but not mushy, and delightfully fragrant.

Step 5: Finish with Meatballs and Butter

If you’re in the mood for extra comfort, stir a tablespoon of butter into the hot rice until luscious and glossy. Then, nestle the reserved meatballs back into the skillet, spoon some rice gently over the tops, and let everything mingle on low for 2 to 3 minutes. This lets the flavors meld together beautifully. Gorgeous!

How to Serve Meatballs and Rice

Garnishes

Finish your Meatballs and Rice with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley — the burst of green is not only pretty but also adds a lovely hint of freshness. For a more decadent touch, sprinkle an extra shower of Parmesan on top for added richness and flavor.

Side Dishes

Though Meatballs and Rice truly shine on their own, they play nicely with simple sides like a crisp green salad, garlicky roasted vegetables, or even classic garlic bread. A tangy cucumber and tomato salad or some lemony steamed broccoli would complement the warm, savory flavors without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Meatballs and Rice in individual bowls with little ramekins of extra herbs, hot sauce, or grated cheese for personalized toppings. If you’re feeling festive, arrange the meatballs in a ring atop the rice for a playful “wreath” effect, or stuff leftovers into pita pockets with a dollop of yogurt sauce for a speedy lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Meatballs and Rice keeps impressively well! Let everything cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers and refrigerating. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making an excellent grab-and-go option for quick lunches or minimal-effort dinners.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead on meal prep, both the cooked meatballs and rice can be frozen separately or together. Let everything cool completely, then place in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. Your frozen feast will be ready and waiting for up to 2 months for those busy nights when you need comfort in a hurry!

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave in a covered dish with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist, or gently warm on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally until everything is heated through and the meatballs are piping hot. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture results.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work wonderfully in place of beef for lighter, slightly leaner Meatballs and Rice. You may want to add a little extra Parmesan or a dash of olive oil to boost flavor and juiciness since poultry is leaner than beef.

How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

The key to tender, cohesive meatballs is not to overwork the mixture — mix just until combined, and be sure to include both egg and breadcrumbs as binders. Chilling the shaped meatballs for 15 minutes before cooking can also help them hold their shape.

Can I add vegetables to the rice?

Definitely! Diced onions, bell peppers, peas, or even spinach can be sautéed with the rice before adding the broth. Not only do they add color, nutrients, and texture, but they soak up all the delicious flavors from the skillet as well.

What’s the best type Main Course

Long grain white rice is the gold standard for this version of Meatballs and Rice as it stays fluffy and individual, but you could use jasmine or basmati for a subtly aromatic twist. Just avoid short grain or sticky rice, which can get a bit too clumpy here.

Can I make Meatballs and Rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can fully cook both the meatballs and rice ahead of time. Store them together or separately in the fridge and reheat just before serving. This actually gives the flavors more time to blend, making for an even more delicious next-day meal!

Final Thoughts

Don’t let another weeknight go by without giving this Meatballs and Rice recipe a spin in your kitchen! It’s cozy, full of big comforting flavors, and brings pure joy to the table every time. Gather your favorite people, serve up a big scoop, and savor the simple, classic goodness!

Meatballs and Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and flavorful dish, Meatballs and Rice is a classic family favorite that’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy meatballs are cooked to perfection and served alongside fluffy rice, creating a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef
1 egg
¼ cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

Rice:

1 cup long grain white rice
2 cups chicken or beef broth
1 tablespoon butter (optional)

Garnish:

Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan, garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs for 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Rice: In the same skillet, toast rice for 1–2 minutes. Add broth, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes until rice is tender.
Combine and Serve: Stir in butter, return meatballs to the skillet, and heat through. Garnish with parsley before serving.