Description
This classic Meatballs with Tomato Sauce and Rice recipe offers a comforting and satisfying meal, featuring juicy browned meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce served over fluffy white rice. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish blends Italian-American flavors with simple ingredients for an easy stovetop meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Tomato Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water
To Serve
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well until evenly incorporated.
- Form the Meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, shaping them evenly for consistent cooking.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, cooking for about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, sugar, and water into the skillet with the onions. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, cover, and let them simmer gently in the sauce for 20 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through fully and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Spoon the tomato sauce and meatballs over cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot for a heartwarming meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of the meatballs.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce to introduce some heat.
- Leftovers store well and make a great next-day lunch option.
