Grilled Meatballs with Wild Rice & Carrot-Parsnip Ribbons, Spicy Tomato Basil Sauce

Welcome to a culinary adventure that marries the savory delight of grilled meatballs with the wholesome goodness of wild rice and the vibrant crunch of carrot-parsnip ribbons, all crowned with a zesty spicy tomato basil sauce. This recipe not only tantalizes your taste buds but also serves as a vibrant dish that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, these grilled meatballs are sure to be a hit. The combination of textures and flavors creates a satisfying meal that is both nutritious and delicious. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Grilled Meatballs with Wild Rice & Carrot-Parsnip Ribbons, Spicy Tomato Basil Sauce is a dish that offers a symphony of flavors and health benefits. First and foremost, the grilled meatballs are juicy and packed with flavor. The use of fresh parsley and garlic elevates their taste, making them irresistible. Pairing these meatballs with wild rice not only adds a nutty flavor but also boosts the dish’s nutritional value. Wild rice is high in fiber and protein, making it a fantastic alternative to regular rice.

Next, the carrot and parsnip ribbons provide a delightful crunch, adding both color and nutrition to the plate. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, while parsnips are an excellent source of vitamins C and K. Together, they create an aesthetically pleasing dish that will impress anyone at your table.

Finally, the spicy tomato basil sauce ties everything together with its robust flavor. This sauce is not only easy to make but can also be adjusted to your heat preference. Whether you like it mild or fiery, this sauce will elevate the dish to new heights. With every bite, you’ll experience a burst of flavor that leaves you wanting more!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’re in search of a meal that balances taste and nutrition, look no further. This recipe is perfect for families, gatherings, or even meal prep for the week. The meatballs can be grilled ahead of time, and the sauce can be made in bulk and stored for later use. This flexibility makes it a practical choice for those with busy lifestyles. You can easily pair it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Moreover, this dish caters to various dietary preferences. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or even a plant-based alternative for a healthier or vegetarian option. The wild rice can be swapped for quinoa if you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative. This adaptability means that it can fit into any dietary plan without compromising flavor.

Lastly, cooking together is a fantastic way to bond with family or friends. Gather those you love, and let everyone participate in shaping the meatballs, prepping the vegetables, or stirring the sauce. Cooking becomes not just a chore but a joyful experience that brings people together around the table.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• For the Wild Rice:
  • 1 cup wild rice
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1/2 tsp salt
• For the Carrot-Parsnip Ribbons:
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled
  • 2 medium parsnips, peeled
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Spicy Tomato Basil Sauce:
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Recommended Tools or Utensils

• Large mixing bowl for combining meatball ingredients
• Grill or grill pan for cooking the meatballs
• Medium saucepan for cooking wild rice
• Skillet for sautéing carrot-parsnip ribbons
• Vegetable peeler or spiralizer for making vegetable ribbons
• Cooking utensils (spatula, wooden spoon, etc.)
• Meat thermometer for checking meatball doneness

Detailed Recipe Steps

Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.
2. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. This size will ensure even cooking on the grill.
3. Preheat the grill to medium heat. Cook the meatballs for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and browned on all sides. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).

Cook the Wild Rice

1. Rinse the wild rice under cold water to remove any impurities.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice, vegetable broth, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Make the Carrot-Parsnip Ribbons

1. Using a vegetable peeler or spiralizer, create ribbons from the carrots and parsnips. This method enhances the visual appeal of the dish.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ribbons and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare the Spicy Tomato Basil Sauce

1. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serve

On a plate, create a bed of wild rice. Top with carrot-parsnip ribbons and grilled meatballs. Drizzle generously with the spicy tomato basil sauce. This dish is not only beautiful but also a complete meal that your family and friends will love!

FAQs

Conclusion

The Grilled Meatballs with Wild Rice & Carrot-Parsnip Ribbons, Spicy Tomato Basil Sauce is a flavorful and nutritious dish that brings together an array of textures and tastes. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below and let us know how your family enjoyed it! Happy cooking!

If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, check out this Pinterest page for inspiration or explore our other recipes for crispy chicken meatballs or grilled lemon herb chicken skewers.

For more culinary delights, check out our other recipes:
Crispy Chicken Meatballs with Honey Mustard Dip,
Spicy Beef Bites with Soy Ginger Dipping Sauce,
Honey Sriracha Meatballs with Garlic Lime Dip,
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers with Creamy Garlic Dip,
Teriyaki Chicken Strips Rice Bowls with Garlic Lime Cream.

Grilled Meatballs with Wild Rice & Carrot-Parsnip Ribbons, Spicy Tomato Basil Sauce

Succulent grilled meatballs served on a bed of wild rice with tender carrot and parsnip ribbons, all topped with a spicy tomato basil sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Grill
• Saucepan
• Skillet
• Vegetable Peeler or Spiralizer
• Large Bowl
• Medium bowl

Ingredients

  

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Wild Rice

• 1 cup wild rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Carrot-Parsnip Ribbons

• 2 medium carrots, peeled
• 2 medium parsnips, peeled
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Spicy Tomato Basil Sauce

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.
• Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
• Preheat the grill to medium heat and cook the meatballs for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and browned on all sides.
• Rinse the wild rice under cold water.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice, vegetable broth, and salt. Bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
• Using a vegetable peeler or spiralizer, create ribbons from the carrots and parsnips.
• In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ribbons and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
• In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
• Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• On a plate, create a bed of wild rice. Top with carrot-parsnip ribbons and grilled meatballs. Drizzle with spicy tomato basil sauce.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level in the sauce and add your favorite herbs for extra flavor.

Keyword grilled, meatballs, sauce, wild rice