Baked Rice Balls
Baked rice balls combine seasoned ground beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and fluffy cooked rice, creating a hearty dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 6 oz. can tomato paste ⓘ
- 3/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley ⓘ
- 6 cups cooked rice, hot ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 3 eggs, slightly beaten ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with chopped onion in a skillet.
- Add tomato paste; stir and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add water, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley; mix well and let cool for about 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your rice balls hold together, make sure the rice is hot when mixing it with the beef filling. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for the beef. You can also use breadcrumbs instead of flour for coating. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the flavor, making them a delightful addition to this dish. For variations, consider adding cheese or vegetables into the filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these baked rice balls with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, which complements their flavors beautifully. A simple green salad or garlic bread makes a great accompaniment. For a heartier meal, pair with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. These rice balls also work well as a party appetizer, making them perfect for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baked rice balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some crispiness. For longer storage, freeze them individually before placing in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Rice Balls contains roughly 1291 calories, with 97g protein, 174g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (442% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (304% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2664mg per serving (116% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these baked rice balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and shape the rice balls a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. This makes for a convenient meal option, especially if you're hosting guests or want an easy weeknight dinner.
What can I use instead of Romano cheese?
If you don't have Romano cheese on hand, Parmesan cheese is a great substitute as it offers a similar flavor profile. For a vegan option, consider using nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy. Just adjust the amount according to your preference.
Can I freeze the baked rice balls?
Yes, you can freeze baked rice balls! Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).