Easy Meatballs and Rice Bowl Recipe
A hearty and flavorful Meatballs and Rice Bowl that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Made with juicy homemade meatballs and served over warm rice with your choice of sauce, this dish is endlessly customizable, family-friendly, and packed with protein.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey/chicken/plant-based
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup grated onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or seasoning of choice
- 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking
For the Rice Bowl
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- ½ cup sauce of choice teriyaki, marinara, BBQ, etc.
Optional toppings:
- chopped parsley, green onions, sesame seeds, shredded cheese, chili flakes
Instructions
Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and seasoning. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat.
Form the Meatballs
- Use a scoop or your hands to roll the mixture into about 16 meatballs (roughly 1-inch in diameter).
Cook the Meatballs
- Pan-Fry Method: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (10–12 minutes).
- Baking Option: Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
- Air Fryer Option: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Warm the Sauce
- While the meatballs are cooking, heat your sauce in a small pan or microwave until warm.
Cook or Reheat the Rice
- Prepare your rice according to package instructions or warm pre-cooked rice.
Assemble the Bowls
- Divide rice evenly between 4 bowls. Top with 3–4 meatballs per bowl, spoon the sauce over, and add any desired toppings.
Serve
- Enjoy hot, or refrigerate in containers for meal prep.