Hearty One-Pot Dish from the Pan
Juicy meatballs, fresh vegetables, and an aromatic tomato sauce – slowly simmered in a cast iron pan. This dish combines Mediterranean flavors with down-to-earth home cooking and is perfect for at home or outdoor cooking.
The best part: Everything is made in one pan. Less effort, less washing up – full flavor.
Whether as a quick dinner, for guests, or as meal prep: These meatballs with rice are versatile, filling, and uncomplicated.
Ingredients (for 4 servings)
For the meatballs:
-
500 g ground beef or mixed ground meat
-
1 egg
-
2 tbsp breadcrumbs
-
1 small onion, finely diced
-
1 clove garlic, pressed
-
Salt, pepper, paprika powder
-
optional: fresh parsley
For the tomato-vegetable sauce:
-
2 bell peppers (red & yellow), diced
-
1 zucchini, cut into half slices
-
1 onion, diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
400 g strained tomatoes
-
200 g diced tomatoes (canned)
-
1 tbsp tomato paste
-
150 ml vegetable broth
-
1 tsp sugar or honey
-
Salt, pepper, oregano, basil
-
Olive oil
Side dish:
-
250 g rice
Preparation
1. Prepare the meatballs
Mix ground meat with egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, and spices. Form into small balls.
2. Brown
Heat olive oil in a large cast iron pan or a Dutch oven.
Brown the meatballs on all sides until nicely colored. Remove and set aside.
3. Prepare the sauce
Sauté onion and garlic in the pan drippings.
Add bell peppers and zucchini and sauté briefly.
Stir in tomato paste and roast lightly.
Deglaze with vegetable broth, then add strained and diced tomatoes.
Season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and a little sugar.
4. Simmer
Return the meatballs to the sauce.
Cover and simmer everything over medium heat for about 20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Cook rice & serve
Meanwhile, cook rice according to package directions.
Arrange meatballs with the vegetable-tomato sauce over the rice and sprinkle with fresh herbs.
Extra tip
For a creamier version, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of crème fraîche or sour cream at the end.
This dish is excellent for meal prep – it tastes even better reheated.
0 comments