Description
A hearty, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. This skillet combines jumbo beef meatballs with savory, broth-infused rice and wilted spinach, all finished under a blanket of melted mozzarella and sharp parmesan. Maximum flavor with minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
The Base & Rice
- 1 cup dry white rice, thoroughly rinsed
- 2 cups chicken or beef bone broth
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped + 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive or avocado oil
The Protein & Greens
- 1 package (48 oz) Mama Mancini’s Jumbo Beef Meatballs (with sauce)
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach
The Cheesy Topping & Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan
- Garnish: Fresh basil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper
Instructions
Sauté & Toast: Heat oil in a skillet. Sauté onion until translucent, add garlic, then stir in rinsed rice. Toast for 3–4 mins until fragrant.
Simmer: Pour in broth and add meatballs/sauce. Boil gently, then cover and simmer on low for 15 mins until rice is tender.
Wilt & Melt: Remove meatballs. Stir in spinach until wilted. Return meatballs to pan and top with both cheeses.
Final Melt: Cover for 5–6 mins until cheese is gooey. Garnish and let rest for 5 mins before serving.
Notes
The Toasting Secret: Toasting rice in oil creates a protective barrier that prevents grains from turning mushy while simmering.
Rinse Your Rice: Removing surface starch is essential to achieving distinct grains rather than a porridge-like texture.
Bone Broth Advantage: Since rice absorbs all liquid, using broth ensures the starch is seasoned with savory depth from the inside out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course / One-Pan
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 980
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 16
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 95
Keywords: meatball parmesan rice skillet, one pan meatball dinner, cheesy rice and meatballs, mama mancini's meatball recipe, italian rice skillet, easy weeknight dinners, high protein one pan meal