Name: Garlic Meatball and Herb Rice Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489776H21M21S
Total time: PT-489776H21M21S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cups cooked white or jasmine rice; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 egg; 1/3 cup breadcrumbs; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp dried or fresh parsley; 1/2 tsp dried oregano or thyme; 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth; Optional: grated Parmesan, lemon zest, chopped fresh herbs for garnish

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Garlic Meatball and Herb Rice Skillet is a hearty, one-pan dinner that’s full of comforting flavor and minimal cleanup. Juicy meatballs are seared to perfection and simmered in a fragrant bed of herbed rice, infused with garlic, onion, and fresh or dried herbs. It’s the kind of easy, wholesome meal I turn to when I want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how everything cooks together in one skillet, making this dish both practical and flavorful. The rice soaks up all the savory juices from the meatballs, and the herbs bring a fresh, earthy balance. It’s warm, filling, and family-friendly, and I appreciate that it’s made with simple ingredients I usually have on hand. Whether I’m feeding a group or prepping for the week, this dish checks all the boxes.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Garlic, minced
Onion, finely chopped
Cooked white or jasmine rice
Olive oil
Egg
Breadcrumbs
Salt
Black pepper
Dried or fresh parsley
Dried oregano or thyme
Chicken or beef broth
Optional: grated Parmesan, lemon zest, chopped fresh herbs for garnish

Directions

I start by making the meatballs. In a bowl, I mix the ground meat with egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley until combined.
I shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide.
I heat olive oil in a large skillet and brown the meatballs on all sides. I remove them once seared but not fully cooked through.
In the same skillet, I sauté the chopped onion and a little more garlic until softened.
I stir in the cooked rice, oregano, and a splash of broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor.
I return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the rice.
I cover the pan and let it simmer gently until the meatballs are cooked through and the rice is hot and fluffy.
I finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, Parmesan, or lemon zest if I’m feeling fancy.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 5 people. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 25–30 minutes to cook, so I can have it on the table in under 45 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. When I want more color, I stir in chopped spinach or peas during the final minutes of cooking. For a Mediterranean flair, I add crumbled feta and a pinch of cumin. And if I’m craving spice, a little red pepper flakes go a long way.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I add a splash of broth or water and warm it on the stove or in the microwave until hot. It reheats well and even tastes better the next day as the flavors meld.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked rice in this recipe?

I recommend using cooked rice for faster results and better control over texture. If using uncooked rice, I need to adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep the meatballs a day in advance and keep them in the fridge. They also freeze well—either raw or cooked.

What type of rice works best?

I usually use white or jasmine rice for a soft texture, but brown rice or basmati also work as long as they’re fully cooked before adding.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Definitely. I just skip the Parmesan garnish or use a plant-based alternative—there’s no dairy in the base recipe.

Can I bake the meatballs instead?

Yes, I’ve baked them at 400°F for about 15–18 minutes before adding them to the skillet. It’s a great hands-off option.

Conclusion

Garlic Meatball and Herb Rice Skillet is one of those cozy meals I keep coming back to. It’s easy, flavorful, and endlessly flexible depending on what I have in the kitchen. From the garlicky meatballs to the herbed rice that soaks up every drop of flavor, it’s a one-pan wonder that makes dinner feel complete.