Juicy, tender meatballs get a briny pop from chopped olives and a gentle warmth from oregano and red pepper. They simmer in a bright tomato-garlic sauce that wilts in a nest of kale for extra body and color. Spooned over fluffy rice, this dish is comforting yet lively, with layers of flavor in every bite.
Preparation time
35 minutes
Total time
70 minutes
Difficulty
medium
Servings
4
Meal
supper
Calories
630
Carbohydrates
66
Fat
26
Protein
28
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups rice (uncooked)
3 cups water (for rice) + 1/2 cup water (for sauce)
1 1/4 tsp salt, divided
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup pitted olives, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, finely grated (about 1/2 cup)
1 large egg
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano, divided
1/2 tsp pepper, divided
1/4 tsp red pepper
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
1 tsp lemon juice
4 cups chopped kale, ribs removed
Instructions
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1. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine rice, 3 cups water, and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 15–18 minutes. Remove from heat and rest, covered, 5 minutes; fluff.
2. Make the meatballs: In a bowl, gently mix ground beef, olives, grated carrot, egg, flour, 1 tsp oregano, 3/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and the red pepper until just combined. Form 16 small meatballs (about 1 to 1 1/4 inches).
3. Brown: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add meatballs and brown on 2 sides, 5–6 minutes total (they will finish in the sauce). Transfer to a plate.
4. Build the sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and garlic; cook 30 seconds. Stir in remaining 1/2 tsp oregano, diced tomatoes with juices, 1/2 cup water, and 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper.
5. Simmer: Return meatballs and any juices to the skillet. Cover and simmer gently 12–15 minutes, turning once, until cooked through.
6. Finish with greens: Stir in kale and lemon juice; simmer uncovered 3–5 minutes until kale is tender and the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve: Spoon rice into bowls and top with meatballs and plenty of sauce.
Key ingredients