If you’re craving a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Meatballs With Tomato Sauce and Rice Recipe is your new go-to. Juicy, perfectly seasoned meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce paired with fluffy rice create a combination that’s absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this dish delivers big flavor and satisfying textures without any fuss, making it a timeless classic you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and easily found, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the hearty, vibrant personality of the dish. From the fresh parsley adding brightness to the aromatic garlic enveloping each meatball in flavor, every element works together beautifully.
- Ground beef: The star protein providing juicy richness and a tender bite.
- Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and moisture to keep meatballs tender.
- Garlic: Infuses an aromatic depth that elevates the savory profile.
- Dried breadcrumbs: They bind everything together and ensure a perfect meatball texture.
- Egg: Acts as a glue to keep the meatballs intact during cooking.
- Fresh parsley: Lends a fresh, slightly peppery contrast against the rich flavors.
- Ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
- Salt: Enhances and balances all the ingredients, making the flavors pop.
- Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes: The luscious base for our sauce, bringing acidity and sweetness.
- Rice: A fluffy, neutral canvas that soaks up the delicious tomato sauce perfectly.
- Oil: Needed for browning the meatballs to create a beautiful crust.
How to Make Meatballs With Tomato Sauce and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Start by combining ground beef, finely diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped parsley, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Gently mix everything just until combined so the meatballs stay tender and not dense.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Use about two tablespoons of the mixture to form small, even-sized meatballs. Placing them on a lined baking sheet keeps them organized and makes them easy to transfer when cooking.
Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
In a saucepan, pour your favorite tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, then season lightly with salt and pepper. Bring it to a gentle simmer so it’s ready to welcome the meatballs with warmth and flavor.
Step 4: Brown the Meatballs
Heat a skillet with a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs carefully, cooking them for about 6 to 8 minutes while occasionally turning so they get a beautiful golden-brown crust all around and cook through evenly.
Step 5: Simmer Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Once browned, transfer the meatballs into the simmering tomato sauce. Let them cook together for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to soak up the sauce’s tangy richness and stay wonderfully moist.
Step 6: Cook the Rice and Serve
While the meatballs finish simmering, prepare rice according to package instructions until fluffy and tender. Spoon a bed of rice on each plate, nestle the meatballs on top, and ladle plenty of that savory tomato sauce over everything to complete this comforting feast.
How to Serve Meatballs With Tomato Sauce and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese add a lovely fresh and cheesy finish that brightens each bite. A drizzle of good olive oil or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can bring an extra layer of flavor and personality to the dish.
Side Dishes
Light, simple sides like a green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans complement the hearty meatballs and rice perfectly. They add crunch and a bit of freshness to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the meatballs on a platter with the rice molded into shapes using small bowls or ramekins. You can also turn this into a family-style meal by placing the rice in a large bowl and piling meatballs with sauce on top for everyone to help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover meatballs with tomato sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, giving you a delicious ready-to-reheat meal with minimal effort.
Freezing
This Meatballs With Tomato Sauce and Rice Recipe freezes wonderfully. Place cooked meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low-medium heat or in a microwave. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much to restore its smooth consistency and keep your meatballs juicy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork work well if you prefer a lighter option or want to mix meats for more complex flavor.
What type of rice pairs best with this recipe?
White long-grain rice or jasmine rice are fantastic choices because they stay fluffy and absorb the tomato sauce nicely. Brown rice is an option if you want added fiber, though it has a heartier texture.
Can I make the meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can shape and prepare the meatballs ahead of time. Store them raw in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking or freeze them raw for longer storage.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, but fresh parsley really helps brighten the meatball mixture. You can also experiment with fresh basil or oregano for a slightly different herbaceous note.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, try using plant-based meat alternatives or making meatballs with lentils or mushrooms, then simmering them in the tomato sauce just like the original recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Meatballs With Tomato Sauce and Rice Recipe is a wonderful way to bring comfort and bold flavor to your dinner table. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and made with simple ingredients that come together in a delightfully cozy meal. I urge you to give it a try soon—once you do, it might just become a cherished staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Meatballs With Tomato Sauce and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious homemade meatballs cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce and served over tender rice. This comforting dish combines ground beef with aromatic herbs and spices, perfect for a hearty family dinner in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced or grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dried breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Tomato Sauce
- 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed canned tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (e.g., olive oil or vegetable oil)
- Rice, prepared according to package instructions
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely diced or grated onion, minced garlic, dried breadcrumbs, egg, chopped fresh parsley, ground black pepper, and salt. Gently mix the ingredients together until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form the meatballs: Shape the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 2 tablespoons of mixture each, roughly the size of a golf ball. Place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the tomato sauce: Pour your favorite tomato sauce or crushed canned tomatoes into a saucepan. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- Cook the meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add about one tablespoon of cooking oil. Once hot, add the meatballs carefully to the skillet. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides and ensure they are cooked through.
- Simmer meatballs in sauce: Transfer the browned meatballs into the simmering tomato sauce. Allow them to cook together for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the meatballs finish cooking.
- Prepare the rice: While the meatballs cook in the sauce, prepare rice according to the package instructions until fluffy and tender.
- Serve: Spoon a portion of cooked rice onto each plate, top with several meatballs and a generous ladle of tomato sauce. Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor, but dried parsley may be substituted if necessary.
- If you prefer a milder onion taste, rinse the diced onion under cold water before mixing.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Leftover meatballs with sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meatball variation.
- Adjust the seasoning of the tomato sauce to your taste by adding herbs like basil or oregano.
