Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with these irresistible Mini Meatballs with Rice! Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned beef meatballs nestled on a bed of fluffy rice, smothered in rich marinara sauce - a dish that promises to become an instant family favorite. Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick meal or a home cook craving something deliciously satisfying, this Italian-inspired recipe will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the mini meatballs cook evenly and develop a nice golden color.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 egg. The egg will act as a binder, helping to hold the meatballs together.
- Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the mixture. Garlic will enhance the flavor of the meatballs, giving them a delicious Italian taste.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Be generous but mindful, as the Parmesan cheese will also add some saltiness.
- Using your hands, mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Once mixed, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- After forming all the meatballs, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat 1 cup of marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sauce is warm.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
- To serve, place 2 cups of cooked rice on each plate and top with a generous portion of the warm marinara sauce. Then, add the baked mini meatballs on top of the rice.
- Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs, if desired. Enjoy your delicious mini meatballs with rice!
Tips
- • Use fresh, high-quality ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20) for the juiciest meatballs • Don't overwork the meat mixture - mix just until ingredients are combined to keep meatballs tender • Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon to create uniform-sized meatballs for even cooking • Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and preventing sticking • Let meatballs rest for a few minutes after baking to help them retain their juices • For extra flavor, consider adding fresh chopped parsley or basil to the meat mixture • If you prefer a crispy exterior, briefly broil the meatballs for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 410kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 114mg
