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Meatballs and Rice Recipe

Meatballs and Rice Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 14 reviews

A comforting one-pan meal combining savory homemade or store-bought meatballs with tender rice cooked in flavorful beef broth, infused with garlic and spices, and finished with fresh peas, green onions, and parsley for a wholesome, hearty dish perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs and Flavoring

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed and minced
  • 1 pound homemade or store-bought meatballs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)

Rice and Broth

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

Vegetables and Garnish

  • 1 & 1/2 cups frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Thaw the meatballs: If frozen, microwave the meatballs for a couple of minutes until partially thawed, allowing them to finish cooking while the rice simmers.
  2. Heat the oil: Place a high-sided skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, heating until shimmering.
  3. Sauté garlic: Add the crushed and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Cook meatballs: Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to brown slightly.
  5. Add broth and rice: Pour in the beef broth, add the rinsed rice, garlic powder, black pepper, and kosher salt. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits for extra flavor.
  6. Bring to a boil: Stir ingredients together and increase heat to high until the mixture comes to a rolling boil.
  7. Simmer covered: Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, stirring gently at 15 minutes to prevent sticking.
  8. Adjust seasoning: Remove from heat and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Incorporate peas: Stir in the frozen peas to your desired amount for added sweetness and color.
  10. Add green onions and parsley: Fold in the chopped green onions and parsley if using, then cover and let sit a few minutes to warm through.
  11. Serve: Serve hot, optionally atop fresh spinach or alongside a big green salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Partially thawing the meatballs before cooking helps ensure even heating and prevents the rice from overcooking while waiting for the meatballs to warm through.
  • Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, preventing a gummy texture.
  • Using homemade meatballs adds a personal touch, but good-quality store-bought meatballs work just as well.
  • For a vegetarian variation, substitute vegetable broth and use plant-based meatballs or extra vegetables.
  • You can stir fresh spinach into the hot rice at the end to let it wilt for added nutrients.
  • Adjust salt and pepper seasoning at the end to fit your taste and dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatballs, rice, one-pot meal, easy dinner, beef broth, peas, comfort food

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/meatballs-and-rice-recipe/