Meatballs and Rice Recipe (Easy & One Pot!)

This meatballs and rice recipe is one of the easiest dinners I know! We have juicy homemade meatballs simmered in a lovely tomato sauce, with rice cooked right in the same pot so it soaks up all that flavour. It’s hearty, healthy & it all comes together in one single pot so there’s barely any washing up needed after. If you love this recipe, my Meatballs in Tomato Sauce is another one you’ll want to bookmark.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Filling & healthy: I use lean 5% fat pork mince and pack in loads of veg, so this meatballs and rice recipe is a great balanced meal with protein, fibre, vitamins, all in one bowl!
• One-pot: One-pot recipes are a great option for those with busy schedules, as you’ll save time washing up dishes later. I love this rice and meatballs recipe on a weeknight when the last thing I want is a pile of dishes waiting for me after dinner.
• Great for meal prep: I often make a double batch of this meatballs and rice dish on Sunday and have lunch sorted for the week. It stores so well, just like these Peanut Sauce Noodles.

If you’re looking for more meatball dinner ideas, try Meatball Marinara with Spiralized Courgette and Spaghetti, Quick Beef Minestrone Soup with Mini Meatballs, and Low Carb Meatball Marinara.

Ingredients

• White rice: I love using white rice, but brown rice would also work great here.
• Pork mince: Feel free to substitute the pork with beef, turkey or chicken mince. If possible, opt for mince with less than 7% fat for your meatballs and rice recipe. But if you love pork, this Easy Pork Loin Crock Pot Recipe is another one to try!
• Passata: You can substitute passata with chopped tomatoes or plum tomatoes when making meatball and rice. Just blend them before adding to the pan and add an extra 2 tbsp of tomato puree. The sauce in my Easy Devilled Sausages uses chopped tomatoes and it’s unbelievably addictive!

See the recipe card for full information on all ingredients and quantities.

Variations/ Adaptations

• Make it vegetarian: Turn this meatballs and rice dish into a vegetarian/vegan recipe using a plant-based mince instead of pork. You can use it in a 1:1 ratio, though you may want to up the seasoning. Many meat alternatives soak up spices more easily and can taste bland if you under season them.
• Gluten-free: This recipe is already gluten-free, except for the chicken stock. Some brands come with gluten in them, so ensure you purchase an option that has no gluten. My Crunchy Shake and Bake Chicken is another great gluten-free protein option.
• Make it with brown rice: Brown rice works great here if you add an extra 100ml of stock and give it around 10 more minutes of cooking time. I’ve tested this plenty of times and it comes out just as good, just a little nuttier in flavour.

How to Make This Meatballs and Rice Recipe

1. Start by seasoning the mince with salt, pepper, garlic powder and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Use your hands to incorporate the seasoning and form into little meatballs, approx 1 tbsp per ball (Image 1). 
2. Add rapeseed into a large/deep non-stick frying pan.  Preheat the pan over a high heat and once hot, add the meatballs distributing across the pan so they start to brown (Image 2).

3. Leave to the meatballs to brown for 3 minutes then rotate and turn to cook for another 3 minutes. Set the meatballs aside (Image 3). 

4. Add the red onions to the pan and brown on low heat (Image 4).

5. Next, add the garlic, tomato puree, paprika and 1 tsp Italian seasoning to the pan with the onions, chopped broccoli stalk and mixed peppers (Image 5).

6. Continue to fry for a further 3 minutes, then add the tomato paste and reduce the heat to medium/low. Season with salt and pepper (Image 6). 

7. Next add add the passata, rice, a small handful of basil leaves and stock. Stir to combine and cover with a lid (Image 7).

8. Set a timer according to the time stated on the packet of your rice. When there is 10 minutes left, add the meatballs and broccoli. Stir to combine and pop the lid back on. Set a timer according to the time stated on the packet of your rice (Image 8).

If you’d like more main meal ideas, try Mediterranean Pasta Salad {Roasted Vegetables and Chorizo}, Cold Noodle Salad with Chicken (High-Protein Sesame Noodles), and Mango Sticky Noodles (Budget Lunch Meal Prep) next.

The Secret to a Really Good Meatballs and Rice

It comes down to two things: browning the meatballs properly, and letting them simmer in the tomato sauce before the rice goes in. If you skip that second step, you’ll notice the meatballs and rice will taste a bit flat. Once the meatballs spend some time in the sauce, they release their juices into it and absorb all those herby flavours in return.

The other thing I’d say is don’t underestimate the smoked paprika in this rice and meatball recipe. It gives the tomato sauce a warmth & depth that makes this taste way more interesting. A small pinch of sugar can help too to soften the acidity of the passata and kind of pull everything together.

Serving Suggestions

This meatball rice recipe is great straight from the pot, but I love finishing it with a scattering of fresh basil and a good grating of parmesan as it makes it feel a bit more special. You could also try meatballs and rice alongside a simple green salad or another light side. 

Try it with:

• Homemade Caesar Salad
• Rocket Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
• Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables
• Easy Skillet Roasted Corn {Great for Any Time of Year!}
• Budget Green Goddess Salad

Leftover Storage and Reheat Instructions

Refrigerator: This meatballs and rice recipe will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. 

Freezer: Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Leave a little space at the top as the sauce can expand.

Reheat: Reheat on the hob over a low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, stirring occasionally, until piping hot throughout. You can also microwave it – just cover it and give it a good stir halfway through.

Recipe FAQs

For more rice recipes, check out Creamy Rice with Garlic & Parmesan {Risotto Style}, Nando’s Spicy Rice Recipe, or Singapore Fried Rice Recipe (Easy Budget Fakeaway).