If you’re craving a comforting, all-in-one dish that fills both your belly and your heart, this Meatballs and Rice in Tomato Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. With juicy, flavorful meatballs nestled atop tender, fragrant rice and bathed in a rich, tangy tomato sauce, every bite feels like a warm hug from the inside out. This recipe is a perfect weeknight winner that transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Meatballs and Rice in Tomato Sauce Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from giving the meatballs their tenderness and flavor to layering the sauce with depth and the rice with the perfect texture and heartiness.
- 1 lb ground beef: Use beef for richness or swap with turkey, chicken, or pork for a twist.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: These keep the meatballs tender and help them hold together.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a subtle, savory note that literally elevates the meatballs.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to keep everything from falling apart.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses bold flavor, essential for that classic Italian vibe.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an earthiness that complements the tomato sauce perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, herbaceous touch.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A subtle kick underneath the surface.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Brightens the dish with fresh herbaceous notes.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: A fluffy base to soak up sauce and flavors.
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth (or water): Cooking liquid that adds depth to the rice.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Needed for browning the meatballs and sautéing aromatics.
- 1/2 onion, chopped: Sweet and savory base for the rice.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: More garlic goodness to flavor the rice.
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes: The heart of the tomato sauce, rich and slightly chunky.
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth: Thins the sauce and adds savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs to round out the sauce perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional): Balances the acidity in the tomatoes for a mellow finish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Final seasoning to pull it all together.
How to Make Meatballs and Rice in Tomato Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley in a large bowl. Mixing gently is key here — you want everything combined without overworking the meat, which can make meatballs tough. Once mixed, shape the mixture into uniform 1 1/2-inch meatballs and set them aside to rest.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, careful not to crowd the pan so they brown nicely rather than steam. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden brown. Remove them onto a plate and keep warm.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until soft and fragrant, waking up those flavors. Stir in the rice, coating it in the oil and onions. Pour in the broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and lower the heat to cook for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed.
Step 4: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, and sugar if you’re using it. Season with salt and pepper, then bring it all to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 5 minutes, which allows the flavors to marry beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Meatballs and Rice
Once the rice is ready, nestle the browned meatballs into the skillet, spoon some of the tomato sauce over the meatballs, and cover again. Let everything simmer together for another 10 to 12 minutes. This final step lets the meatballs finish cooking through while the rice soaks up all those luscious tomato flavors.
How to Serve Meatballs and Rice in Tomato Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a handful of chopped basil elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise, adding a burst of herbaceous freshness that cuts through the richness. If you love cheese, a shower of extra grated Parmesan never hurts either.
Side Dishes
Though the dish is a meal on its own, some simple sides shine alongside it. Try crisp green salads with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to add texture and color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Make it a family-style feast by serving the rice and meatballs in a large, rustic casserole dish straight from stove to table. Alternatively, plate individual portions with a swirl of sauce, a fresh herb garnish, and a lemon wedge on the side for a bright pop. It also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to mop up every last drop of sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice and meatballs actually taste even better the next day after the flavors have had extra time to develop.
Freezing
This Meatballs and Rice in Tomato Sauce Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the meatballs and rice with sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and keep the rice from drying out. Stir gently while warming to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat for the meatballs?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic for this recipe, ground turkey, chicken, or pork all work wonderfully. Each adds its own unique flavor and texture, so feel free to choose what you prefer or have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, to make it gluten-free, simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Make sure all other ingredients, like broth and seasonings, do not contain hidden gluten.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more liquid. You’ll want to adjust the cooking time and broth quantity accordingly, or pre-cook the brown rice before combining it with the meatballs and sauce.
How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
Using the egg and breadcrumbs as binders helps tremendously. Also, mixing just until combined and handling the meat gently to form meatballs prevents them from becoming dense or falling apart while cooking.
Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace meatballs with plant-based meat alternatives or hearty vegetable balls made from lentils or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of meat broth for a fully vegetarian version.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully soothing about a good bowl of Meatballs and Rice in Tomato Sauce Recipe, and now it’s easy for you to bring that comfort home. This recipe combines simple ingredients with warm, inviting flavors that please every palate. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it a beloved classic in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.
Print
Meatballs and Rice in Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This classic Meatballs and Rice recipe combines juicy, seasoned meatballs with tender, flavorful rice simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfectly browned meatballs are nestled into fragrant rice cooked in broth, then finished with a hearty tomato sauce for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare in under an hour.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using). Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
- Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on a plate, ready for cooking.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook them until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
- Cook Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Cook Rice: Add the rice to the skillet and stir well to coat it with the oil and onions. Pour in the broth, add salt and pepper, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer Rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Prepare the Sauce: Meanwhile, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, and sugar if using. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Combine Meatballs with Rice and Sauce: When the rice is done, nestle the browned meatballs into the rice and spoon some sauce over them. Cover the skillet and simmer on low for an additional 10-12 minutes to ensure the meatballs cook through and the flavors combine.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs and rice hot, with extra sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a burst of freshness.
Notes
- Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used as alternatives to ground beef.
- For extra flavor, soak breadcrumbs in a little milk before mixing them into the meatball mixture.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Using broth instead of water to cook the rice adds more depth of flavor.
- Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- If you want to reduce fat, bake the meatballs instead of frying, but browning adds extra flavor.
