This is the ultimate comfort food dinner to feed a family. Kid approved, easy to make, bursting with flavour and really filling. What’s not to love? Follow me…
Meatballs and Rice
I know, on paper it sounds kinda boring. BUT, I promise you this will blow you away. Everything is cooked in a deep and rich tomato sauce.
One Pot
Besides the obvious benefit of reducing washing up, there’s a couple of other ways this dish benefits from all being cooked in the same pot. The first is once you’ve fried the meatballs you can use the leftover fat to begin frying the onion. This will add a good amount of flavour. And those crusty, ‘burnt’ bits on the bottom of those pan? I keep ’em in, that’s even more flavour right there. The other benefit is when you cook the rice in there, the starch will not only emulsify the fats, but also turn the sauce ever so slightly creamy.
Tomato Sauce
The sauce is made with a base of tomato passata (pureed/sieved tomatoes in US) and beef stock. To really deepen the flavour of the sauce and bring out the best in the meatballs I love adding Worcestershire sauce too. A good pinch of chipotle flakes also adds to the smoky tones of the sauce, and who doesn’t like a little spice in their tomato sauce?
How to make Meatballs and Rice in one pot (quick summary/process shots)
Tips for the best Meatballs and Rice
Meatballs – I of course recommend whipping up a batch of your own homemade meatballs. If you’re getting store bought ensure you get some good quality ones, just because they’re the star of the show. Rice – Long grain rice works best here. Don’t buy ‘quick cook’ rice or anything like that. Simmer – I highly recommend simmering the meatballs before you add the rice. This will allow the meatballs and sauce to exchange flavours. Consistency – Important to use a heavy lid on your pot, just so the sauce doesn’t reduce too much and leave you with uncooked rice. If for whatever reason this happens, just add more water to help the rice cook through.
The last thing to mention is don’t be afraid to add a good pinch of sugar. This will help balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and saltiness of the meatballs and stock.
Serving Meatballs and Rice
A nice sprinkle of fresh parsley and a truck load of parmesan to finish. If you’re extra peckish consider any of these along side:
Cheesy Garlic Bread Roasted Garlic Bread Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread
Can I reheat leftovers?
Yep! Just allow to completely cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. I recommend thawing and reheating over the stove on a low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. If you’re looking for another similar easy one pot meal be sure to check out my One Pot Spanish Orzo! For more similar recipe check out these beauties too:
Delicious Meatball Recipes
Homemade Meatball Subs Cranberry Turkey Meatballs BBQ Meatballs Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Baked Chicken Meatballs and Orzo Swedish Meatballs
Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full recipe for this rice and meatballs shall we?!
How to make Meatballs and Rice (Full Recipe & Video)
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