Meatballs and Rice Skillet Dinner
Transform weeknight dinners with this hearty and flavorful Meatballs and Rice Skillet Dinner—a one-pan wonder that simplifies mealtime without sacrificing taste. Juicy, homemade beef meatballs are seasoned to perfection with Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and a hint of garlic, then browned to golden perfection before simmering in a rich tomato sauce infused with dried herbs. The secret? Uncooked long-grain rice is cooked right in the skillet, soaking up all those savory, aromatic flavors. With tender rice, succulent meatballs, and minimal cleanup, this 40-minute dinner is an easy, family-friendly favorite. Serve it straight from the skillet with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a comforting, satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you're craving a cozy, all-in-one dish!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 2.5 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.25 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Aim for approximately 16 meatballs.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Once hot, brown the meatballs on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken or beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 0.25 teaspoon black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the uncooked rice. Nestle the browned meatballs back into the skillet, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid.
Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the dish simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the meatballs are fully cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit uncovered for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and any excess liquid to absorb.
Garnish the skillet with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Meatballs and Rice Skillet Dinner!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2685 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 129.3 g | 166% | |
| Saturated Fat | 43.6 g | 218% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 561 mg | 187% | |
| Sodium | 8294 mg | 361% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 268.8 g | 98% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.1 g | 75% | |
| Total Sugars | 39.9 g | ||
| Protein | 129.1 g | 258% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 615 mg | 47% | |
| Iron | 21.1 mg | 117% | |
| Potassium | 3462 mg | 74% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
