If you’re looking to add some flair to your rice recipes, why not experiment with adding protein and veggies? A whole new dish is created!
This recipe is all about that comfort food factor and it will ensure your family stays full all night!
Baked meatballs and rice is an easy one-pan dinner that takes the stress out of weeknight dinners. Plus, it’s totally kid friendly!
1. Meatballs and Rice
This budget-friendly dinner is sure to please kids of any age! This baked meatballs and rice casserole recipe requires minimal ingredients, takes no time to prepare, and takes away all of the stress from mealtime. It’s one recipe you’ll want to keep handy for busy weeknights!
You can have this dish ready in just 30 minutes! Made with tomato passata and beef stock, it boasts plenty of flavor and smokiness. Topped off with garlic and sun dried tomatoes for some vibrant color, you have yourself an incredibly satisfying dinner in no time!
Save yourself some time with pre-made meatballs by using frozen. All that needs to be done is letting them sit on a pan for about 5 minutes before adding them to the sauce.
The succulent juices from the meatballs will infuse your rice with an incredible layer of flavor while it bakes, so you get all the best flavors from both dishes in one pot!
For a creamy sauce, melt 3 tablespoons butter (or ghee) in a large pan over medium-high heat and stir in onion until they begin to soften. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir to incorporate all ingredients.
Once the onions have reduced, add a cup of broth or water and whisk to mix thoroughly. Allow to simmer for around 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce has thickened.
For an extra kick of heat, feel free to add some chopped green chiles or chilis to your sauce.
You can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef in this dish if desired. Just be sure to brown the meatballs on all sides, otherwise they won’t be as tender.
For a quick one-pan dinner or an impressive party dish, this baked meatballs and rice casserole is sure to please! Plus, leftovers can easily be heated up in the oven for leftovers!
This dish calls for frozen meatballs and sauce, but you could also use a homemade sauce and ground beef. If using your own homemade sauce, be sure to adjust the amount of broth and water accordingly.
2. Meatballs and Rice with Kale
When you’re in search of comfort food, meatballs make the ideal dish. Not only are they simple to prepare and versatile, but they’re also great for families – whether served smothered in sauce, squeezed into a sandwich or skewered on a stick.
They’re also a nutritious meal choice, packed with protein, iron and fiber from the kale. Not only that but they’re an excellent source of vitamin C as well as having an enjoyable taste.
Make this quick and delicious recipe by mixing pork mince with some seasoning, pepper, and an egg. Form into small round balls and place on a baking sheet to bake in the oven.
You could serve these meatballs over a bed of Minute(r) Brown Rice or with some chopped kale for an added green vegetable in this dish.
Kale is marinated in a creamy tahini dressing before baking it alongside meatballs for an enticing meal. The dressing helps to keep the meatballs moist and tender.
These meatballs offer a tasty, healthier alternative to the classic spaghetti and meatballs dish. Made in minutes with Minute(r) Multi-Grain Medley, they’re then topped off with mozzarella cheese before being ready for consumption.
Another healthy dinner option that’s delicious and quick to make is this Swedish meatball stew. It’s a simple but satisfying meal that will warm you up on cold winter days.
Begin by prepping the meatballs: simply combine all ingredients in a large bowl and form into small round balls. Allow to cool for several minutes.
Once cooled, you can store them in the fridge or freezer. They’re also ideal for reheating on the stovetop or serving as a delicious snack.
This delicious meatball risotto recipe is super simple to make and the perfect way to use up leftover beef. Enjoy this creamy dish for a nutritious yet hearty dinner that everyone will love!
Risotto is served atop meatballs and finished off with smoked tomato puree – it makes an amazing appetizer to serve at parties or get-togethers!
To make this dish more nutritious, substitute ground turkey or lamb for the beef in this recipe. Alternatively, you could substitute any favorite vegetable in place of kale to add extra nutrition and veggies to the meal.
3. Meatballs and Rice with Spinach
This straightforward meatball recipe utilizes puffed brown rice instead of breadcrumbs, offering a great option for those looking to reduce carb intake. Plus, it’s gluten-free – an ideal option for those with food sensitivities or allergies.
This healthier take on traditional Italian meatballs offers plenty of flavor and is an easy way to incorporate more veggies into your meals. You can use any ground meat type (beef, pork or turkey), then season them with whatever spices you have on hand.
Begin by mixing together ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper until you have formed a mass. Form into small meatballs and cook in a hot pan until browned on all sides. Remove from heat and keep warm until ready to serve.
Enjoy these meatballs with your favorite pasta or rice, or even in a salad! Just be sure to pair them with something nutritious like low-carb or high-fiber pastas for maximum nutritional benefit.
These make a delicious addition to spinach or kale salad, too! This easy yet deceptively delicious dish will surely impress everyone at your gathering.
This meatball recipe includes spinach, which is an excellent source of calcium and fiber for good health. Plus, it’s loaded with antioxidants to fight disease and boost your immunity.
To make the tomato sauce, heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Stir in tomatoes, garlic, salt and pepper as well as the serrano chile; then simmer until thickened and the chile has melted, about 8 minutes.
To assemble the casserole, nestle cooked meatballs into creamed spinach, drizzle with marinara and scatter mozzarella on top. Place on a broiler rack and cook under high heat until cheese is browned, about 3 to 4 minutes.
These meatballs make the ideal topping for a low-carb wrap or hoagie roll. Just be sure to use an appropriate low-carb and high-fiber bread (such as whole wheat or sourdough) for optimal results.
4. Meatballs and Rice with Tomatoes
Meatballs are an iconic dish, featuring ground beef with vegetables and herbs. No matter if you need a quick dinner or something that takes some effort to prepare, meatballs are always a great choice.
The great thing about meatballs is that you can customize them according to your tastes. For instance, if you want more veggies in them, add a few cups of cooked kale or spinach. You could even switch up the sauce that goes on top for something unique!
Ground beef can be mixed with various ingredients, such as breadcrumbs, egg and spices to create delicious meatballs. For a different take on this classic flavor combination, try ground pork or Italian sausage instead. For an extra creamy touch, stir in some grated Parmesan cheese for extra cheesey depth.
Once all ingredients are prepared, it’s time to form them into meatballs (about the size of a squash ball). If your mixture is too stiff to work with, add a couple teaspoons of water. You could also use a medium cookie scoop for easier shaping during this step.
Brown the meatballs in a pan over medium-high heat. It’s best to do this in batches so that they get an even brown throughout.
While your meatballs are browning, you can prepare the rice – another effortless dish for a family meal. Long grain white rice works well here but if you want something different, basmati or jasmine rice would also work nicely.
For the sauce, you can either blend tomato soup, water and Worcestershire sauce together, or just use tomato paste and liquid. Alternatively, turkey or chicken meatballs could also be substituted for a less rich and leaner option.
Porcupine meatballs have been a beloved family favorite since the Great Depression and provide protein and vegetables on your dinner plate. Pair them with hot rice for an irresistible meal or serve them up as an easy party appetizer to add some flair.