If you’re looking for a true comfort food experience with minimal fuss, this Meatballs and Rice Recipe (One Skillet) is bound to become your go-to weeknight favorite. We’re talking juicy, tender meatballs nestled right into fragrant, fluffy rice, all infused with savory spices and vibrant tomatoes—plus, it’s all made in just one skillet! Now you can enjoy that classic, home-cooked flavor without loads of dishes or complicated steps. It’s the perfect all-in-one dinner, and I can’t wait for you to fall in love with its cozy, satisfying goodness.

Meatballs and Rice Recipe (One Skillet) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Meatballs and Rice Recipe (One Skillet) lies in its simple ingredients that pack a punch. Each item on this list is essential—working together to create a meal that’s loaded with flavor, beautiful color, and a variety of textures.

Ground beef: The heart of your meatballs, bringing rich flavor and juicy texture; opt for 80/20 for the best balance.
Plain breadcrumbs: These hold the meatballs together while keeping them tender and light.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a delightfully nutty, savory element right in the meatballs—don’t skip this!
Large egg: This binds all the meatball ingredients, helping them hold their shape when cooked.
Minced garlic: For a pop of aromatic, robust flavor that lingers with every bite.
Fresh parsley (plus more for garnish): Lends freshness and a splash of vibrant color—use plenty both in and on top!
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every component of the dish.
Olive oil: For browning the meatballs and helping those flavors meld at the start.
Long-grain white rice: The perfect base that soaks up all the savory juices from the skillet.
Low-sodium beef broth: Infuses the rice with rich depth while making sure everything stays tender and moist.
Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh): Brings brightness, a hint of tang, and pretty pops of red.
Diced onion: Adds sweet, mellow flavor and helps build your aromatic base.
Dried oregano, paprika, dried thyme: A trio of spices for those unmistakable homestyle vibes—warming and earthy.

How to Make Meatballs and Rice Recipe (One Skillet)

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl and combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix just until everything comes together—be careful not to overwork it, which keeps the meatballs juicy and tender. This is your moment to infuse every bite with classic Italian-inspired flavor.

Step 2: Shape and Brown the Meatballs

Form the mixture into bite-sized, 1-inch meatballs. Heat the olive oil in a big, deep skillet over medium. Carefully add your meatballs and brown them all over, turning gently as you go—about 6 to 8 minutes total. You’re looking for a golden crust (which will add fantastic flavor later), not to cook them through just yet! Once they’re browned, move them onto a plate for a bit.

Step 3: Start the Skillet Base

In the same skillet (no need to clean it—those browned bits are pure gold!), add the diced onion. Let it soften for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring so it doesn’t stick. Next, add your uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, paprika, and thyme. Stir to coat the rice in all those savory flavors—each grain should pick up a hint of color and seasoning.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in your beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to capture every last bit of flavor. Bring it all to a gentle simmer, then carefully nestle the browned meatballs back into the skillet, pressing them down so they’re surrounded by the rice mixture. It’s already smelling incredible!

Step 5: Cover and Cook

Pop on a well-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and let everything cook for about 20 to 25 minutes. Test the rice and meatballs for doneness—both should be cooked through, tender, and beautifully infused. Patience here pays off—no peeking so all the steam stays trapped!

Step 6: Fluff and Finish

Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This gives the rice time to finish steaming and ensures each grain is fluffy. When ready, gently fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle generously with fresh parsley. Now, it’s time to marvel at your gorgeous skillet dinner!

How to Serve Meatballs and Rice Recipe (One Skillet)

Garnishes

The final touch makes all the difference—scatter lots of freshly chopped parsley across the skillet just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a little extra Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice makes the colors pop and heightens the flavors even more!

Side Dishes

Honestly, Meatballs and Rice Recipe (One Skillet) is satisfying all on its own, but a crisp, green salad or some garlic bread turns it into a full-on feast. Try serving with roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber salad if you like a fresh, cool contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon generous helpings straight from the skillet to the table for a rustic, family-style feel. Or, for a bit of flair, serve the meatballs and rice in shallow bowls and top with extra parsley and a drizzle of good olive oil. You can even nestle them inside warm pita or wraps for a handheld twist—perfect for leftovers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extras (lucky you!), transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making Meatballs and Rice Recipe (One Skillet) even more irresistible the next day. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days for best results.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Let everything cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 3 months—just label with the date, so you don’t forget about your delicious stash!

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop with an extra splash of broth or water to loosen up the rice. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally so the rice heats evenly. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work well for a lighter twist on this classic. You’ll still get juicy meatballs, just with a different flavor profile—don’t forget to adjust seasonings to your liking.

What kind of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice is ideal because it cooks up fluffy and separate, soaking in all the savory broth. Short-grain rice tends to get stickier, while brown rice requires a longer cooking time and extra broth.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking?

Make sure to give the rice a good stir with the tomatoes and onions before adding the broth, and keep the heat on low while simmering. Also, resist the urge to open the lid—trapped steam is key!

Can I add more veggies?

Definitely! This recipe is super forgiving. Toss in peas, diced bell peppers, or spinach with the onions for extra color, flavor, and nutrition. Just be mindful of the moisture content if you’re adding a lot.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Kids love Meatballs and Rice Recipe (One Skillet) because it’s familiar, flavorful, and easy to eat. If you have picky eaters, skip the parsley garnish or use less seasoning to keep things simple.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Meatballs and Rice Recipe (One Skillet) a spot in your regular dinner rotation. It’s cozy, fuss-free, and brings everyone running to the table. Give it a try, share it with your family, and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved classic in your kitchen too!

Meatballs and Rice Recipe (One Skillet) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One Skillet Meatballs and Rice recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender meatballs with savory rice in a delicious tomato-based sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, this easy stovetop meal is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Rice:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1/2 cup diced onion
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
Cook the Meatballs: Brown meatballs in olive oil in a skillet. Remove from skillet.
Prepare the Rice: In the same skillet, cook onion, then add rice, tomatoes, oregano, paprika, thyme, and beef broth. Simmer.
Combine and Cook: Return meatballs to skillet, cover, and cook until rice is tender and meatballs are cooked through.
Finish and Serve: Let rest, fluff rice, and garnish with parsley before serving.