Step 1

In a small bowl, stir together the Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2

Rinse the rice in cool water and drain well. Add the lean ground beef to a large bowl along with the rice, finely diced onion, minced garlic, egg, and the seasoning mixture.

Step 3

Use your hands to mix everything together until evenly combined. Try not to overmix as this can make the meatballs tough.

Step 4

Divide and shape the meat mixture into 24 meatballs, about two tablespoons each. Place the shaped meatballs into a large pot or dutch oven. It’s ok if the meatballs are touching each other. I also stacked a few on top of each other.

Step 5

Now make the sauce. In a medium bowl combine the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, and water. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the meatballs.

Step 6

Cover the pot with a lid and bring the pot to a low boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low and let the meatballs simmer for 35-40 minutes.

Step 7

Serve over rice or mashed potatoes with fresh chopped parsley on top and enjoy!