Description
This one pot meatballs and rice bake combines tender, seasoned meatballs with fluffy rice, sweet roasted sweet potatoes, and vibrant broccoli florets in a savory tomato broth. Baked together in a single pan, it delivers a comforting, family-friendly meal with minimal cleanup. Simple ingredients like ground meat, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, and pantry staples transform into a hearty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or freezer-friendly dinners. Optional cheese topping adds a golden finish, while variations allow for turkey meatballs, different grains, or seasonal veggie swaps. Ready in about an hour.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs.
3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe pan over medium heat. Brown meatballs 3–5 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.
4. Add diced onion, sweet potato, and broccoli to the pan. Sauté 5 minutes until slightly softened.
5. Stir in rice to coat with pan juices. Pour in broth and tomato sauce, then season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Nestle meatballs into the rice and vegetable mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged.
7. Cover pan with foil or lid and bake 30 minutes. Remove cover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
8. If using cheese, sprinkle on top and broil 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
9. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: main course
- Method: bake
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Keywords: one pot dishes, meatball dinner, rice bake, broccoli bake, sweet potato casserole, family dinner, meal prep