If you are looking for a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen, this Meatballs with Tomato Sauce and Rice Recipe is an absolute winner. Juicy, tender meatballs simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce paired with fluffy rice create a satisfying dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles. You’ll love how the simple ingredients come together to create a homey, timeless classic that tastes like a special family recipe without all the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in making the meatballs moist and full of flavor, the sauce vibrant and comforting, and the rice perfectly fluffy, creating a balanced plate that’s irresistibly delicious.
- Ground beef: The base of your meatballs, providing richness and that hearty texture.
- Small yellow onion: Adds sweetness and moisture, finely diced or grated for smooth blending.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse savory depth that elevates the meatballs’ flavor.
- Dried breadcrumbs: Keep the meatballs tender and help them hold together without being dense.
- Large egg: The binding agent that ensures the meatballs stay perfectly formed.
- Fresh parsley: Offers a fresh, herbal brightness that lightens up the dish.
- Ground black pepper: A subtle kick that enhances all the savory layers.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning, bringing out the natural flavors of each ingredient.
- Tomato sauce or crushed canned tomatoes: The rich, tangy base of the sauce that envelopes the meatballs.
- Rice: The perfect neutral, fluffy side that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Oil: For browning the meatballs and adding a slight crisp texture before simmering.
How to Make Meatballs with Tomato Sauce and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Begin by combining the ground beef, finely diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped parsley, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Mix everything gently until just combined — overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so handle with care for tender morsels.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Using about two tablespoons of the mixture, form small, even meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Keeping them similar in size helps them cook evenly and look inviting on the plate.
Step 3: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Warm your favorite tomato sauce or crushed canned tomatoes in a saucepan over low heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste and let the sauce gently simmer to deepen the flavors as the meatballs cook.
Step 4: Brown the Meatballs
Heat a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil. Carefully add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they develop a brown crust and are cooked through, about six to eight minutes. This step locks in flavor and adds a delightful texture.
Step 5: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Transfer your browned meatballs into the simmering tomato sauce. Let them cook together for another five to ten minutes, allowing the meatballs to soak up the sauce’s rich, tangy goodness for maximum flavor.
Step 6: Cook the Rice and Serve
While the meatballs simmer in the sauce, cook rice according to your package instructions until fluffy. Serve the meatballs generously ladled with tomato sauce over a bed of hot, fluffy rice for the ultimate comfort meal experience.
How to Serve Meatballs with Tomato Sauce and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese is another delicious option that adds a savory, nutty finish.
Side Dishes
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully to cut through the richness of the meatballs. Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots also complement the meal well by adding color, texture, and extra nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the meatballs and sauce over yellow saffron rice or wild rice blend to add a bit of exotic flair. You can also scoop the mixture into butter lettuce cups for a fresh and modern twist that’s perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keeping the sauce and meatballs together helps maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
This Meatballs with Tomato Sauce and Rice Recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, then freeze for up to three months. Freeze cooked rice separately in portions for the best texture upon reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Reheat rice separately and fluff before serving to keep it light and tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of beef and pork can work wonderfully. Just note that cooking times and moisture levels may vary slightly depending on the meat you choose.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, though fresh parsley adds a brighter flavor. You can also experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a different twist.
Can I make the meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the dried breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to keep the meatballs tender and delicious without gluten.
Is it possible to bake instead of pan-frying the meatballs?
Definitely. You can bake meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until cooked through. Then, transfer them to the sauce to simmer and absorb those wonderful flavors.
What type of rice works best with this recipe?
White rice, jasmine, or basmati rice all work well as they have a light, fluffy texture that soaks up the sauce nicely. Feel free to use brown rice for a whole grain option, though it has a firmer bite.
Final Thoughts
This Meatballs with Tomato Sauce and Rice Recipe is a true kitchen champion — simple, satisfying, and loaded with comforting flavors that feel like home on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish hits all the right notes. Give it a try, and you’ll soon discover it belongs in your go-to recipe collection as a beloved classic that never disappoints.
Print
Meatballs with Tomato Sauce and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This classic Meatballs with Tomato Sauce and Rice recipe features juicy, flavorful beef meatballs cooked to perfection and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Served over fluffy rice, this comforting dish is perfect for a family meal or weeknight dinner, combining hearty protein with a savory sauce and tender grains.
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 jar (about 2 cups) of your favorite tomato sauce or canned crushed tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil (for meatballs)
Side
- 1 cup uncooked rice (to serve)
- Water or broth for rice cooking
Instructions
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely diced onion, minced garlic, dried breadcrumbs, egg, chopped parsley, black pepper, and salt. Mix gently until just combined to ensure tender meatballs.
- Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into small meatballs, each about 2 tablespoons in size. Place them evenly spaced on a lined baking sheet to prepare for cooking.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In a saucepan, pour in your favorite tomato sauce or canned crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper and heat to a gentle simmer over low-medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Place the meatballs in the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until evenly browned and cooked through.
- Simmer Meatballs with Sauce: Transfer the cooked meatballs into the simmering tomato sauce. Let them cook together for an additional 5-10 minutes so the meatballs absorb the sauce’s rich flavors.
- Cook the Rice: While the meatballs simmer, prepare the rice according to the package instructions, typically boiling in water until tender and fluffy.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate a bed of cooked rice and spoon the meatballs and tomato sauce over the top. Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- For a moister meatball, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Leftover meatballs and sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Add chili flakes to the tomato sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten free.
