One Pot Meatballs and Rice

Indulge in the delectable harmony of tender meatballs and fluffy rice with this one-pot Meatballs and Rice recipe. This mouthwatering dish not only satisfies your cravings but also saves you time and effort with its convenient one-pot cooking method.

Meatballs and rice on a platter.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Convenience: This recipe saves you time and effort by allowing you to cook everything in a single pot. No need for multiple pans and complicated clean-up afterwards.
  • Versatility: This recipe allows for customization and experimentation. You can add your favorite vegetables or herbs to enhance the flavors and make it your own.
  • Family-Friendly: One-pot meatballs and rice is a crowd-pleasing dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It’s a comforting and satisfying option that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Budget-Friendly: The ingredients for this recipe are often affordable and readily available, making it a budget-friendly option for a satisfying and filling meal.

Ingredients Needed

Meatballs and rice ingredients.
  • Lean Ground Beef – I prefer to use lean ground beef, but you can use the cut you prefer or even swap the beef for pork or chicken. The trick to making these meatballs perfectly tender is to crumble the meat on top of the ingredients before carefully forming them into balls.
  • Uncooked Instant Rice – You will need two bags of instant rice for this recipe (maybe more if you’d like a larger portion to serve alongside the meatballs). Some of the rice will be mixed into the actual meatballs and the rest will be served with it. Use your favorite brand and the style of rice you prefer. I like to use organic Jasmine rice.
  • Panko – I prefer to use gluten-free options when available, which is why I like these gluten-free panko crumbs when I’m cooking. Breadcrumbs will also work.
  • Onion – When making meatballs or even Meatloaf, I like for the onion to be grated. This is for two reasons, it evens the flavor, which works better for my family members that don’t like onions, and it’s better for binding the meat together. The large chunks often result in the meatballs falling apart. I say this though knowing how annoying grating onions can be, which is why I also use these onion goggles so I’m not a teary mess.
  • Parsley – You’re going to want to use fresh parsley for a better flavor, but if all you have is dried that will work too.
  • Tomato Sauce – For the tomato sauce just choose your favorite pasta sauce in a jar. You can make you’re own, but the taste will be just as delicious with jarred sauce.

How to Make Meatballs and Rice

Meatballs and rice step 1 and 2.
  1. Prepare the meatballs. In a large mixing bowl combine the uncooked instant rice, panko crumbs, slightly beaten egg, grated onion, parsley, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
  2. Add the ground beef. Using your hands crumble the ground beef on top and gently mix the ingredients together without mashing them.
How to make meatballs and rice steps 3 and 4.
  1. Shape the meatballs. Place a deep heavy-bottomed pot on the stove and pour in the pasta sauce. Set the temperature to medium and allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer. While the sauce is heating shape the meatball mixture into 2-inch-sized meatballs and set on a baking sheet.
  2. Cook. Add the meatballs to the heated pasta sauce and place a lid on top. Let the meatballs cook for 25 minutes without lifting the lid.
  3. Prepare the rice. With about 2 minutes left to cook prepare the remaining instant rice and spread it onto a platter. Spoon the meatballs and sauce over the rice.
One pot meatballs and rice on a platter.

FAQS

What are the best types of meat to use for meatballs and rice?

Ground beef, pork, chicken, or a combination of these meats are commonly used for making meatballs. Each meat imparts its unique flavor and texture to the dish. Choosing lean or fatty meat depends on personal preference.

Are there any gluten-free options for meatballs and rice?

Yes, for a gluten-free alternative to making meatballs and rice use gluten-free substitutes of panko or crushed gluten-free crackers, cornmeal, almond flour, or even gluten-free breadcrumbs. It’s important to check the labels of any store-bought ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free and suitable for your dietary needs.

Can meatballs and rice be made ahead of time?

Yes, both meatballs and rice can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to cook. Since this recipe calls for instant rice I don’t recommend making it ahead, but waiting until ready to serve the dish.

Storage Information

To store leftover meatballs and rice, follow these steps:

  • Allow the meatballs and rice to cool down to room temperature before transferring them to separate airtight containers.
  • Cover the containers tightly to prevent air exposure and place the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3-4 days.
  • If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place the containers in the freezer, making sure they are sealed properly to avoid freezer burn. They can typically be stored for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Tips and Tricks

  • Don’t mash the ingredients together. When preparing the meatball mixture don’t mash the ingredients together because this will result in tough meatballs. Crumble the meat over the other ingredients and then carefully mix it together.
  • Season generously: Don’t be shy with the seasonings. Add a variety of herbs, spices, minced garlic, grated onion, or even Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture for enhanced flavor.
  • Choose your favorite rice. Any type of rice will work as long as it’s instant rice and make sure to get extra for serving with the meatballs.
Meatballs and rice on a platter with a serving spoon.

Meatballs and Rice

Savor the exquisite blend of tender meatballs and fluffy rice in this irresistible one-pot Meatballs and Rice recipe. Experience the sheer pleasure of indulgence while enjoying the convenience of a single pot cooking method. This tantalizing dish will satisfy your cravings while saving you precious time and effort.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 216kcal
Author: Aimee Mars

Equipment

  • Heavy-Bottomed Pot with Lid

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef
  • 1/2 cup Instant Rice uncooked
  • 1/2 cup Panko Crumbs
  • 1/2 Onion grated or finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
  • 1 24 ounce jar Tomato Sauce
  • 1 package Instant Rice

Instructions

  • Prepare the meatballs. In a large mixing bowl combine the uncooked instant rice, panko crumbs, slightly beaten egg, grated onion, parsley, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
  • Add the ground beef. Using your hands crumble the ground beef on top and gently mix the ingredients together without mashing them.
  • Shape the meatballs. Place a deep heavy-bottomed pot on the stove and pour in the pasta sauce. Set the temperature to medium and allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer. While the sauce is heating shape the meatball mixture into 2-inch-sized meatballs and set on a baking sheet.
  • Cook. Add the meatballs to the heated pasta sauce and place a lid on top. Let the meatballs cook for 25 minutes without lifting the lid.
  • Prepare the rice. With about 2 minutes left to cook prepare the remaining instant rice and spread it onto a platter. Spoon the meatballs and sauce over the rice.

Notes

  • Don’t mash the ingredients together. When preparing the meatball mixture don’t mash the ingredients together because this will result in tough meatballs. Crumble the meat over the other ingredients and then carefully mix it together.
  • Season generously: Don’t be shy with the seasonings. Add a variety of herbs, spices, minced garlic, grated onion, or even Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture for enhanced flavor.
  • Choose your favorite rice. Any type of rice will work as long as it’s instant rice and make sure to get extra for serving with the meatballs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 216kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 424mg | Potassium: 444mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 171IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 4mg
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About The Author

Aimee

I’m thrilled you’ve stopped by my space here and love to connect with new friends through food. I’ve always felt sharing meals brings people together, which is one of the many reasons I began this site.

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