If you are looking for a cozy, flavorful weeknight meal that captures comfort in every bite, the Meatballs and Rice Skillet with Peas and Herbs Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish brings together tender homemade or store-bought meatballs simmered with fluffy rice, sweet peas, and a fresh herb finish that brightens every mouthful. It’s a one-pan wonder that feels like a warm hug, perfect for busy evenings yet special enough to share with those you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simplicity meeting deliciousness. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the rich depth of the beef broth to the vibrant pop of green peas and herbs, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity base and helps sauté the garlic for a fragrant start.
- Garlic cloves (crushed and minced): Infuses the dish with warmth and a kitchen-filling aroma.
- Homemade or store-bought meatballs (1 pound): The hearty protein star that carries all the savory goodness.
- Beef broth (3 cups): Provides a rich, meaty simmering liquid that cooks the rice perfectly.
- Uncooked rice (1 1/2 cups, rinsed): Absorbs flavors beautifully while staying tender and fluffy.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Deepens the garlicky notes without overwhelming the palate.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon, or to taste): Adds a gentle heat and balances the flavors.
- Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon, or to taste): Enhances all the ingredients and ties the dish together.
- Frozen peas (1 1/2 cups): Bursts of natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
- Green onions (1/2 cup, chopped): Delivers a fresh, mild onion crunch to finish the dish.
- Parsley (1/4 cup fresh, chopped, optional): Adds a bright herbaceous note that lifts every bite.
How to Make Meatballs and Rice Skillet with Peas and Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
Start by thawing your meatballs if they’re frozen, no need to fully defrost — a quick zap in the microwave for a couple of minutes does the trick. This helps them warm through nicely while the rice cooks, so you get juicy meatballs every time.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Heat a high-sided skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When it shimmers, toss in the crushed and minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about a minute until their incredible fragrance fills your kitchen — it’s the foundation of flavor for this recipe.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Next, add the thawed meatballs to the skillet. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes just to get a lovely golden crust on their surface. This step seals in the meat’s juices and adds texture contrast between the tender inside and flavorful outside.
Step 4: Add Rice and Broth
Pour in the beef broth along with the rinsed rice, garlic powder, black pepper, and kosher salt. Use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan — these little flavor gems make the dish even richer. Stir everything together to combine.
Step 5: Bring to a Boil and Simmer Low
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid to let the rice soak up all the delicious broth while the meatballs cook through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Be sure to stir once around the 15-minute mark to prevent anything from sticking.
Step 6: Season and Add Vegetables
When the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Then stir in the frozen peas, adding as much as feels right to you — their sweetness and bright green pop are simply irresistible.
Step 7: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Onions
Finally, stir in the chopped green onions and parsley if you’re using them. Cover the pan again and let the residual heat warm the peas and herbs until they’re perfectly tender and fresh-tasting, just a few minutes.
How to Serve Meatballs and Rice Skillet with Peas and Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or chopped green onions on top elevates the dish visually and adds a refreshing herbaceous note with every bite. For a touch of indulgence, a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can instantly brighten those comforting flavors.
Side Dishes
This skillet pairs wonderfully with a crunchy green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance its richness. Alternatively, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a warm crusty bread to soak up every flavorful morsel from the pan — either way, it’s a meal that feels complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try serving the Meatballs and Rice Skillet with Peas and Herbs Recipe over a bed of baby spinach, allowing the warmth from the dish to gently wilt the greens. Another fun twist is to stuff the mixture inside bell peppers or tomatoes for an elegant yet hearty presentation that’s both inviting and colorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more after resting, which means your next meal is every bit as delicious.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating so it retains its texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave with a loose cover and stir every minute or so until heated through. The peas and herbs pop right back to life with a quick warm-up.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meatball for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef meatballs work wonderfully, you can substitute with turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian meatballs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type and size.
Is it necessary to rinse the rice before cooking?
Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, which helps keep the rice fluffy and prevents it from clumping. It’s a simple step that improves the overall texture of your skillet.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas make a delightful addition with a slightly sweeter taste. Add them at the same time in the recipe and cook until tender, adjusting timing slightly if needed.
What can I substitute for beef broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken broth or vegetable broth are fine alternatives. Just remember that broth adds richness to the rice, so a flavored broth is better than water for the best results.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! This Meatballs and Rice Skillet with Peas and Herbs Recipe reheats well and maintains its flavors, making it an excellent choice for prepping lunches or dinners in advance.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Meatballs and Rice Skillet with Peas and Herbs Recipe. It’s a wonderfully hearty yet fresh-tasting meal that feels homemade and satisfying every single time. Whether you’re cooking for family or just craving some comforting goodness, it’s one recipe you’ll want to keep close by. Give it a try, and let it become one of your kitchen favorites too!
Print
Meatballs and Rice Skillet with Peas and Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5.5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting one-pan meal combining savory homemade or store-bought meatballs with tender, flavorful rice cooked in beef broth, enriched with garlic, peas, and fresh herbs. Perfect for an easy, hearty dinner served with a green salad or wilted spinach.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (crushed and minced)
- 1 pound homemade meatballs or store-bought meatballs
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked rice (rinsed)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas (or according to preference)
- 1/2 cup green onions (chopped)
- 1/4 cup parsley (fresh, chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Thaw the Meatballs: If your meatballs are frozen, thaw them partially in the microwave for a couple of minutes. They don’t need to be completely thawed, just enough so they finish cooking evenly with the rice.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a high-sided skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow it to heat until shimmering.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the crushed and minced garlic to the oil and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Meatballs: Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes to start browning them and developing flavor.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth along with the rinsed rice, garlic powder, black pepper, and kosher salt. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to lift any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Bring to Boil: Stir everything together and increase heat to high until the liquid reaches a boil.
- Simmer Covered: Reduce heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid.
- Cook Rice: Let the rice cook covered for 15-20 minutes. At around 15 minutes, stir gently to prevent sticking and to check for doneness.
- Season to Taste: Once the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed, remove the skillet from heat and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Add Peas: Stir in the frozen peas, adding as much as you like. The residual heat will warm them through.
- Add Green Onions and Parsley: Mix in the chopped green onions and fresh parsley if you’re using it. Cover again and let the heat warm them for a few minutes.
- Serve: This dish pairs wonderfully with a big green salad or served over a bed of fresh spinach. You can also stir fresh spinach into the hot rice just before serving to let it wilt.
Notes
- Partially thawing meatballs before cooking helps them warm evenly without drying out.
- Rinsing the rice prevents it from becoming too sticky and helps it cook more evenly.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to ensure the right balance because broth and meatballs can vary in saltiness.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley brightens the dish but is optional based on availability and preference.
- This is a versatile recipe; feel free to substitute vegetables or add spinach for extra greens.
