Description
A simple and hearty one-skillet meal combining tender meatballs and flavorful rice, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup long‑grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined and form into 16 meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet; sauté until softened, about 4 minutes.
- Stir in rice and cook for 1–2 minutes, letting it toast lightly.
- Add beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Return meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 18–20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice around meatballs, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add frozen peas or chopped spinach for extra vegetables.
- For extra flavor, stir in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1¼ cups rice + 4 meatballs)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg