Meatballs And Rice
Savory meatballs simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, infused with herbs and spices, perfect served over plain or spiced rice for a hearty, comforting meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the dry onion soup mix with water and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Put 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce into a cup.
- Add garlic salt, thyme, pepper, oregano, and parsley to the tomato sauce and mix well.
- Combine the onion soup mixture with ground beef and blend well.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs and place them in a casserole dish.
- Pour the remaining soup mixture over the meatballs.
- Cook in the oven at 350°F for one hour.
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over plain or spiced rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried ones. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter option. If you prefer more spice, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. This dish pairs beautifully with plain or spiced rice, making it a versatile choice for your dinner table.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs with the sauce over a bed of rice, which absorbs the flavors beautifully. For a complete meal, add a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. This dish also goes well with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For more ideas, explore other beef recipes that complement this hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. They can also be reheated in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatballs And Rice contains roughly 46 calories, with 2g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the meatballs and sauce?
Yes, you can freeze meatballs and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This makes it easy to have a quick and delicious meal ready to go.
What can I substitute for the onion soup mix?
If you don't have onion soup mix, you can create your own by mixing equal parts dried onion flakes, garlic powder, and a little salt. This will give you a similar flavor profile to enhance your meatballs.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To spice up your meatballs, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. You can also mix in some chili powder or cayenne pepper for extra heat, depending on your preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).