This hearty one-skillet meatballs and rice recipe combines the comfort of homestyle cooking with the convenience of a single-pan meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish brings together tender meatballs, fluffy rice, and bright vegetables in a savory blend that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Main Components:
- 1 pound (450g) homemade or store-bought meatballs
- 1½ cups (300g) uncooked rice, rinsed
- 3 cups (710ml) beef broth
- 1½ cups (225g) frozen peas
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) olive oil
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 3 cloves garlic (9g), crushed and minced
- ½ teaspoon (2g) garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) black pepper
- ½ teaspoon (2.5g) kosher salt
Fresh Herbs and Garnishes:
- ½ cup (50g) green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs (5 minutes)
- If using frozen meatballs, thaw in microwave
- They don’t need to be completely thawed
- Set aside while preparing other ingredients
- Start the Base (3-4 minutes)
- Heat high-sided skillet over medium-high heat
- Add olive oil and wait for it to shimmer
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant
- Be careful not to burn the garlic
- Cook the Meatballs (2-3 minutes)
- Add meatballs to the skillet
- Brown lightly on all sides
- They will continue cooking with the rice
- Combine Rice and Liquid (5 minutes)
- Add beef broth to the skillet
- Stir in rinsed rice
- Add garlic powder, pepper, and salt
- Scrape bottom of pan to release browned bits
- Bring mixture to a boil
- Simmer the Dish (15-20 minutes)
- Reduce heat to low
- Cover skillet with lid
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes
- Check at 15 minutes to prevent sticking
- Rice should be tender and liquid absorbed
- Finish and Serve (5 minutes)
- Remove from heat
- Adjust seasoning to taste
- Stir in frozen peas
- Add green onions and parsley
- Cover until peas are heated through
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 425
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Serving size: 1/6 of recipe
Timing:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Servings: 6
Professional Cooking Tips
- Rice Preparation:
- Rinse rice until water runs clear
- Use proper liquid-to-rice ratio
- Don’t lift lid while cooking
- Meatball Selection:
- Choose meatballs sized 1-1.5 inches
- Ensure even sizing for consistent cooking
- Italian-style or basic beef both work well
- Pan Selection:
- Use heavy-bottomed skillet
- Ensure lid fits tightly
- 12-inch diameter minimum recommended
Variations and Substitutions
- Rice Options:
- Brown rice (adjust cooking time)
- Jasmine rice
- Basmati rice
- Vegetable Variations:
- Mixed frozen vegetables
- Baby spinach
- Diced carrots
- Sweet corn
- Broth Alternatives:
- Chicken broth
- Vegetable broth
- Low-sodium options
Common FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade meatballs?
A: Yes, pre-cook them slightly before adding to ensure food safety.
Q: Why is my rice still crunchy?
A: Add ¼ cup more hot broth and continue cooking covered for 5 minutes.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes, but rice may become softer. Reheat with a splash of broth.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, freeze for up to 3 months in airtight container.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storage:
- Refrigerate in airtight container for 3-4 days
- Keep garnishes separate
- Store rice and meatballs together
Make-Ahead Options:
- Prep meatballs in advance
- Chop garnishes day before
- Pre-measure dry ingredients
Reheating Instructions:
- Microwave: 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway
- Stovetop: Low heat with splash of broth
- Add fresh herbs after reheating
This versatile one-pan meal is perfect for busy families and can be easily customized to suit different tastes. Serve it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. The leftovers make excellent lunch portions and can be enhanced with additional fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil when serving.