Meatballs With Rice
Savory meatballs cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with cheese, and seasoned with paprika and parsley—perfect for hearty family dinners or comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, and salt.
- Shape the mixture into 1/2-inch meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in a skillet and place them into a casserole dish.
- Mix the cream of mushroom soup, water, sliced celery, chopped green pepper, and seasonings.
- Pour the mixture over the browned meatballs.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the meatballs and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts and lightly browns.
- Garnish with paprika and chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. If you have stale bread, pulse it into crumbs for a fresh alternative. Adding minced garlic or Italian herbs can enhance the flavor profile. To ensure even cooking, make meatballs of uniform size. For a twist, consider using the meatball recipe from Elegant Beef(Crock-Pot Recipe).
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over fluffy rice or egg noodles for a hearty meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad pairs well, adding a nice crunch. For a complete dinner experience, consider serving with crusty bread or a side of mashed potatoes. You can also explore more beef recipes for additional inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish with a splash of water or broth, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatballs With Rice contains roughly 710 calories, with 29g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (91% of the Daily Value), iron (70% of the Daily Value), and protein (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1207mg per serving (52% 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 freeze the meatballs before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be cooked from frozen; just increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with homemade white sauce or another canned soup like cream of chicken. Alternatively, a mixture of sour cream and broth can also work nicely to maintain creaminess.
How do I make the meatballs more flavorful?
To enhance flavor, consider adding spices like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or fresh herbs to the meatball mixture. You can also sauté the chopped onion and celery before mixing them in to deepen their flavor. Adding a splash of soy sauce can also boost umami.
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).