Description
Hearty Meatballs and Rice blends Italian-inspired comfort with easy one-skillet convenience, promising a satisfying meal that delights with rich flavors and minimal cleanup. Families seeking a quick, delicious dinner will savor this streamlined culinary experience that brings warmth and joy to the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound homemade or store-bought meatballs
Rice and Grains:
- 1 ½ cups uncooked rice, rinsed
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
Liquid:
- 3 cups beef broth
Vegetables:
- 1 ½ cups frozen peas (adjust to preference)
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Cooking Fat:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Instructions
- Slightly defrost frozen meatballs in the microwave if using pre-made variety.
- Select a spacious skillet with high sides and warm olive oil over medium-high temperature.
- Infuse the pan with minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence for approximately one minute.
- Carefully introduce meatballs, allowing them to develop a golden-brown exterior by searing for 2-3 minutes.
- Cascade beef broth into the skillet, then gently fold in uncooked rice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring thorough integration.
- Elevate the mixture to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat to its lowest setting, covering the skillet to create a steamy environment.
- Allow the rice to simmer undisturbed for 15-20 minutes, performing a single mid-cooking stir to prevent potential sticking.
- Verify rice tenderness and complete liquid absorption, then remove from heat source and fine-tune seasoning as desired.
- Incorporate frozen peas, freshly chopped green onions, and optional parsley, covering momentarily to gently warm the vegetables.
- Present the one-skillet meal piping hot, complemented by a crisp green salad or nestled atop a bed of vibrant spinach for added nutritional complexity.
Notes
- Optimize meatball thawing by using short microwave bursts to prevent partial cooking and ensure even heating.
- Maximize flavor development by allowing garlic to sizzle briefly before adding meatballs, releasing its aromatic compounds.
- Create flexibility for dietary needs by substituting beef broth with vegetable broth for vegetarian adaptation or using cauliflower rice for low-carb option.
- Prevent rice sticking by gently stir
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg