This meatballs and rice recipe is a one skillet meal that makes the ultimate side dish, main course, you name it! It has tender meatballs with fluffy cooked rice in a rich, creamy sauce that has an incredible flavor. Plus, it couldn't be easier to make this delicious dish!
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My Take On Meatballs and Rice
This meatballs and rice recipe takes basic ingredients and effortlessly turns them into a flavorful and decadent dish I can't get enough of.
It consists of meatballs that are cooked until they're nicely browned yet juicy and tender on the inside. Then they're simmered in a rich, savory cream sauce and served on a bed of fluffy rice. It takes Swedish meatballs to another level, and I think these might just be the best homemade meatballs ever!
Plus, making meatballs and rice with gravy is so easy with this recipe. That's why it's one of my go-to recipes when I'm looking to feed a large crowd since it's so hearty and satisfying. Everyone who tries this recipe loves it, so you know you'll have a winner!
You can even make this meatball and rice recipe better by serving it with this garlic bread for soaking up that irresistible cream sauce.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
One pot meatballs recipe. Everything to make the tender meatballs with rice is cooked in the same pot., and the process couldn't be easier!
Versatile. This recipe works equally well as a hearty side dish for dinner or as the main course. It's a recipe fit for any occasion!
An instant family favorite. This meatballs and rice recipe is one of my family's all-time favorite meatball recipes. You'll be surprised by how much everyone loves this recipe!
Simple ingredients. Although the flavor of these meatballs and rice is like no other, you actually only need a few common ingredients to make it!
Ingredients
As I just mentioned, the ingredients for this Swedish meatball and rice recipe are really straightforward.
Here's everything you'll need to make meatballs with rice:
- 1lb. meatballs (beef or pork)
- 3 tbsps. olive oil
- 3 tbsps. all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and pepper
- 2 cups cooked rice
By the way, you can use quite a few of these ingredients to make these IKEA Swedish meatballs. They're another one of my go-to meatball recipes, so you'll want to try them next!
How To Make Meatballs and Rice
1. Brown the meatballs: In a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the meatballs to the hot oil and cook them, turning constantly until they're brown on each side and cooked through. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a bowl and cover them with foil to keep warm.
2. Make the cream sauce: To the skillet, add the remaining olive oil and flour. Whisk until it begins to brown. Slowly stir in the beef broth and milk. Simmer this mixture until the sauce begins to thicken. Season with a little salt and pepper.
3. Finish the dish: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and simmer for another 5 minutes, turning the meatballs often to coat them in the gravy sauce.
4. Serve: Serve meatballs warm on top of the cooked rice covered with plenty of cream sauce. Garnish the Swedish meatballs and rice with fresh parsley, and enjoy!
Tips To Make The Best Recipe
- Experiment with adding ingredients to the gravy, like garlic powder, onion powder, tomato sauce, or Worcestershire sauce, for a different flavor.
- Make homemade meatballs for a more authentic flavor. You can make these oven baked meatballs and then freeze them until you're ready to make this dish. For frozen meatballs, remember to let them thaw overnight or add more time in the oven.
- Substitute meatballs for ground meat, turkey meatballs, or Italian sausage to switch up the flavor.
- Serve meatballs and rice with mashed potatoes and a light green salad for a complete meal.
- Add veggies, like finely chopped onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a healthier dish. You can even add a bag of frozen peas and carrots to switch it up.
- Use leftover rice for a more convenient rice dish.
How To Store Meatballs with Rice
In the fridge: Store leftover meatballs and rice in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
In the freezer: Allow leftover meatballs and rice to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container and freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Transfer leftover meatballs and rice with the sauce to a skillet with a splash of beef broth or water. Warm over medium heat with the lid on, stirring occasionally, until they're fully reheated. You can also microwave single servings in 20-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature. Add extra time for frozen meatballs and rice, or let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
FAQS About This Meatballs and Rice Recipe
What goes with meatballs and rice?
This meatballs and rice recipe is delicious served with southern fried potatoes and onions or twice baked mashed potatoes. For a lighter side, try this house salad or these honey glazed carrots.
Are meatballs better the longer you cook them?
Meatballs do get more tender the longer they are cooked, but if they are simmering in liquid, then they can become mushy if they cook for too long. Alternatively, if they are cooking without liquid, then they can become dry if overcooked.
More Recipes
- Baked spaghetti and meatballs
- Dump and bake meatball casserole
- Bisquick sausage balls
- Meatball sub casserole
- Dirty rice with sausage
Meatballs And Rice
This meatballs and rice recipe is a one skillet meal that makes the ultimate side dish, main course, you name it! It has tender meatballs with fluffy cooked rice in a rich, creamy sauce that has an incredible flavor. Plus, it couldn't be easier to make this delicious dish!
Ingredients
- 1lb. meatballs (beef or pork)
- 3 tbsps. olive oil
- 3 tbsps. all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and pepper
- 2 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- In a non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the meatballs and cook, turning constantly until brown on each side and cooked throughout. Transfer to a plate or bowl and cover with a foil.
- Add the remaining olive oil and flour to the skillet and whisk until it turns brown.
- Slowly stir in beef broth and milk. Bring to a simmer until the sauce starts to thicken. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer for another 5 minutes, turning the meatballs often to coat in the sauce.
- Serve the sauce with the meatballs over cooked rice with chopped parsley.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1 servingAmount Per Serving: Calories: 306Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 20g
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