This Garlic Meatball and Herb Rice Skillet is a savory, one-pan meal that combines tender, garlicky meatballs with fluffy, herb-infused rice. It’s a comforting, protein-packed dish that’s full of flavor and made with wholesome ingredients. Whether I’m cooking for family or prepping lunches for the week, this skillet always delivers a warm, satisfying bite in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s simple to prepare, requires just one pan, and makes cleanup a breeze. The meatballs are juicy and perfectly seasoned, while the rice absorbs all the rich, aromatic flavors from garlic, onion, and fresh herbs. It’s the kind of meal I can dress up for dinner guests or whip up quickly on a weeknight. Plus, it’s flexible—easy to customize with different proteins, grains, or herbs.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Ground beef, turkey, or chicken
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Garlic (minced)
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Egg
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Bread crumbs
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Salt and pepper
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Italian seasoning or dried herbs
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Fresh parsley (chopped)
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White or jasmine rice (uncooked)
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Onion (finely chopped)
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Chicken or vegetable broth
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Olive oil or butter
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Fresh thyme, dill, or basil (optional for added herb flavor)
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Lemon juice (optional for brightness)
Directions
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In a bowl, I mix the ground meat with minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until combined.
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I form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1½ inches in size.
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In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and sear the meatballs until browned on all sides. I remove them and set them aside.
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In the same skillet, I add more oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion until soft and fragrant.
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I stir in the uncooked rice and toast it for about a minute to build flavor.
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I pour in the broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
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I return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the rice.
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I cover the skillet and let everything simmer on low heat for about 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the meatballs are cooked through.
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Once done, I remove it from heat and stir in chopped parsley and other fresh herbs if using. A squeeze of lemon juice gives it a fresh finish before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 40–45 minutes total: 15 minutes of prep and 25–30 minutes of cook time.
Variations
I like to switch this up depending on what I have:
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Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice (just adjust the cooking time).
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Add vegetables like peas, spinach, or bell peppers for color and nutrients.
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Mix in parmesan cheese at the end for a creamy finish.
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Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
storage/reheating
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist and fluffy.
FAQs
Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?
Yes, I sometimes bake them at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, then add them to the skillet when I simmer the rice. It saves time and reduces cleanup.
Can I use pre-cooked rice?
I can! I cook the meatballs and onions first, then stir in pre-cooked rice and broth, simmering just enough to heat through and absorb flavor.
What’s the best type of rice for this dish?
I usually use jasmine or long-grain white rice. Basmati also works well for a fluffier texture.
Can I freeze this meal?
Yes, I let it cool completely, then freeze it in airtight containers. To reheat, I thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stove with a bit of broth.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, I use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs and make sure my broth and seasonings don’t contain any gluten.
Conclusion
This Garlic Meatball and Herb Rice Skillet is a deliciously simple recipe that brings comfort and flavor to any night of the week. I love how everything cooks in one pan, creating a dish that’s both hearty and fresh. Whether I’m craving a cozy dinner or planning meals ahead, this recipe always comes through with bold flavor and satisfying texture.
