Loaded Rice Bowl with Meatballs & Herb-Roasted Veggies

• White rice
• Chopped fresh parsley or dried herbs

Instructions

1. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat of your choice—beef for richness, turkey or chicken for a leaner option—with finely diced onion and crushed garlic. Add breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture and an egg to provide structure. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until just combined; avoid overmixing, as that can result in tough meatballs.
2. Shape and cook the meatballs: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into uniform meatballs, roughly the size of a walnut. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil and sear the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook them on all sides until deeply browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This typically takes 8–10 minutes, depending on size. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
3. Roast the vegetables: While the meatballs cook, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Cube the zucchini, red bell pepper, and sweet potato into even pieces for uniform roasting. Toss them with olive oil, a generous sprinkle of mixed dried herbs (basil, thyme, oregano), and season with salt and black pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender and caramelised on the edges. Stir once or twice during roasting to ensure even browning.
4. Cook the rice: While the veggies roast, cook your white rice according to package instructions—typically 1 part rice to 2 parts water, simmered until fluffy and tender. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in chopped fresh parsley or dried herbs for a fragrant finish.
5. Assemble the bowls: Spoon a base of rice into each bowl. Arrange the roasted vegetables and seared meatballs on top. The contrast of textures—from fluffy rice to juicy meatballs and crisp-edged vegetables—makes each bite satisfying. For added freshness and a touch of colour, sprinkle with more herbs or a few microgreens if desired.

Notes & Variations