Meatballs and Rice
Meatballs and rice is a dish that combines savory meatballs with the versatile simplicity of rice, creating a meal that is both hearty and comforting.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or cooked rice for a gluten-free option)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine ground meat with finely chopped onions, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, and an egg. Add seasonings and mix gently.
- Shape the mixture into evenly sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Choose to bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or pan-fry in a skillet with oil over medium heat, turning frequently.
- Cook rice in chicken or vegetable broth with butter and bay leaf until fluffy.
- Plate the rice and meatballs, garnishing with fresh parsley, Parmesan, and lemon wedges.
Notes
Use a mix of lean and fatty meats for juicier meatballs. Chill shaped meatballs before cooking to prevent falling apart.