Nonna'S Rice Balls
Savory rice balls filled with seasoned meat and melted cheese, perfect as an appetizer or comforting snack for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the rice and drain without rinsing.
- Brown the chopped meat or mash leftover meatballs with a fork.
- Drain the meat and place it in a bowl.
- Add salt, pepper, tomato sauce, chopped parsley, grated cheese, and mozzarella cubes to the bowl.
- Mix all ingredients well to combine.
- Form mixture into balls and roll them in bread crumbs.
- Optional: Mix peas into the filling or coat the balls with bread crumbs.
- Bake or fry the rice balls until golden and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Arborio rice instead of Carolina rice. If you don't have mozzarella, provolone or even a vegan cheese can work as substitutes. For added flavor, include herbs like basil or oregano. You can also experiment by adding finely chopped vegetables to the mixture, similar to what you might find in Stuffed Artichokes Roman Style.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these rice balls with a side of marinara or your favorite Italian tomato sauce for dipping. They pair beautifully with a fresh salad or as part of a larger Italian feast alongside dishes like Rotini Bake. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat and add extra veggies.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rice balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also fry them again briefly to restore their crunchy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nonna'S Rice Balls contains roughly 229 calories, with 22g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (188% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (113% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (87% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2007mg per serving (87% 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 rice balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice balls ahead of time. Once formed, you can freeze them before cooking. Just make sure to place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then store in a zip-top bag. When ready to cook, bake or fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What kind of meat can I use in these rice balls?
You can use any type of chopped meat, such as ground beef, pork, or turkey. Leftover meatballs work wonderfully too. For a lighter option, consider using shredded chicken or even a blend of mushrooms and lentils for a vegetarian alternative, making them suitable for various dietary preferences.
How do I ensure my rice balls hold together?
To ensure your rice balls hold together, make sure your rice is sticky enough after cooking. Adding the right amount of cheese and properly mixing the ingredients is essential. If the mixture feels too loose, you can add a bit more breadcrumbs or even an egg to help bind it better.
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).