No Fuss Rice Meatballs
No Fuss Rice Meatballs are savory, tender meatballs infused with rice and seasoned with onion and spices, perfect for a hearty, easy family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine rice, ground beef, egg, minced onion, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of tomato juice in a bowl.
- Mix lightly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into 1 1/2 inch meatballs and place them in a skillet.
- Mix the remaining tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder in a bowl.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the skillet.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for about 40 minutes, basting the meatballs occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or some fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the meat mixture. If you don’t have Minute rice, you can use regular rice; just pre-cook it according to package instructions. For a leaner option, try using ground turkey instead of beef. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to fit different dietary preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over a bed of pasta or rice for a hearty meal. They pair wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables. For a comforting twist, consider serving them alongside breadsticks or garlic bread. This dish also makes a great filling for a sub sandwich, allowing for endless meal possibilities.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or additional tomato juice to keep them moist. Cover and heat until warmed through, usually about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of No Fuss Rice Meatballs contains roughly 345 calories, with 9g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (175% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1082mg per serving (47% 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 for later use?
Yes, these meatballs freeze well! After cooking, let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in a skillet or microwave.
What can I substitute for tomato juice?
If you don't have tomato juice on hand, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce diluted with a bit of water. Alternatively, vegetable broth can be used for a lighter flavor. Keep in mind that the taste may vary slightly depending on the substitute used.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer. Additionally, they should be firm to the touch and no longer pink in the center. Cooking them in the sauce helps ensure they stay moist and flavorful.
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).