Introduction
Who doesn’t love a warm plate of meatballs in tomato sauce with a side of fluffy rice? It’s one of those meals that feels like a hug in a bowl. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or even when you want to impress guests without too much work.
The best part? It’s super easy to make. You don’t need any fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything—from ingredients to step-by-step instructions—so you can cook this meal with confidence. Ready to get started?
Ingredients – Meatballs With Tomato Sauce and Rice
Here’s everything you’ll need to make Easy Meatballs With Tomato Sauce and Rice:
For the Meatballs:
- 500g (about 1 lb) ground beef or ground chicken
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated onion (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- A handful of chopped parsley (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 400g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (helps cut the acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil or oregano
- A splash of water if the sauce is too thick
For the Rice:
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Step by Step Process – Meatballs With Tomato Sauce and Rice
Step 1: Cook the Rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Add the rice, water, and salt to a pot.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and cover.
- Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the water is gone and the rice is fluffy.
- Turn off the heat and let it sit (covered) while you make the rest of the meal.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, add ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, and parsley.
- Mix everything gently with your hands or a spoon until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls (about the size of a golf ball).
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. This takes about 6–8 minutes.
- Remove them from the pan and set aside (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet—they’ll finish cooking in the sauce).
Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce
- In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Sauté the chopped onion for 2–3 minutes until soft.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Stir well and let it simmer for 5–10 minutes on low heat.
Step 4: Combine Meatballs with Sauce
- Gently add the browned meatballs into the tomato sauce.
- Cover the pan and cook on low heat for another 10–15 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked inside.
- Stir occasionally to make sure the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a little water to thin it out.
Step 5: Plate and Serve
- Fluff the rice with a fork.
- Spoon some rice onto a plate.
- Add the meatballs and sauce on top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese if you like.
- Enjoy your homemade, comforting meal!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 90mg |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Iron | 15% DV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground chicken or turkey works great in this recipe. It’s lighter and just as tasty.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make the meatballs and sauce in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Q3: What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or even oats can work as a binder.
Q4: Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes. Freeze them after cooking (without rice) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat on the stove.
Q5: Is this dish spicy?
Not really. But if you like a little heat, feel free to add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the tomato sauce.
Q6: What kind of rice works best?
White rice is the most common, but brown rice or even couscous or quinoa can work if you want something healthier.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Meatballs with Tomato Sauce and Rice recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. Even better? It’s a complete meal with protein, carbs, and veggies all in one plate.
Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe has your back. You don’t need to be a chef to get it right—just follow the steps, trust your taste buds, and enjoy the process.
So next time you’re looking for something cozy, quick, and satisfying, give this dish a try. Who knew something so easy could taste so good?
