Meat Sauce For Rice Balls
A hearty, savory meat sauce packed with tomatoes, artichokes, peas, and herbs, perfect for pairing with cheese-stuffed rice balls for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 small onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 3 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can water packed artichoke hearts, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. frozen peas ⓘ
- 1 (4 1/2 oz.) jar mushrooms, drained and sliced ⓘ
- 3 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook ground beef, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink; drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, chopped artichoke hearts, frozen peas, sliced mushrooms, bay leaves, sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Discard bay leaves before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering. If you don't have artichoke hearts, chopped bell peppers or zucchini can be substituted. Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried, but increase the quantity as fresh herbs are less concentrated. Pair this sauce with rice balls or even serve it over pasta for a hearty meal. You could also try adding red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this meat sauce over freshly made rice balls for a comforting meal. It also pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like stuffed shells or hearty lasagna soup. A side salad or garlic bread complements the dish well, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top elevates the flavors. This dish can also be served as a pasta sauce for a delightful twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meat sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems thick, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Sauce For Rice Balls contains roughly 484 calories, with 19g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (162% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (141% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 39g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative to beef in this recipe. It will provide a lighter flavor and lower fat content. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess moisture to prevent a watery sauce.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
To add heat, include crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the onions and garlic. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for an additional kick.
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Absolutely! This meat sauce can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just cool it completely before refrigerating or freezing, and reheat thoroughly before serving. It's perfect for meal prep!
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).