Pork Balls With Rice
Juicy meatballs simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners and versatile enough to serve with rice or pasta.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground meat, chopped onion, cracker crumbs, beaten egg, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add washed rice to the mixture and combine well.
- Form the mixture into balls.
- Place the meatballs in a roasting pan.
- Pour tomato juice or thin soup over the meatballs.
- Cover the pan and bake at 350°F for about 1.5 hours.
- Baste the meatballs occasionally and add water if necessary to prevent drying.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating minced garlic or fresh herbs like parsley into the meat mixture. If you want a healthier option, you can substitute half of the ground pork with ground turkey. Make sure to use short-grain rice, as it has a stickier texture that helps bind the meatballs together. Also, adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pork balls over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with Dixie Corn Bread for a comforting, hearty dinner. For a complete meal, consider adding steamed vegetables or a side of mashed potatoes to round out the plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pork balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of water to keep them moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork Balls With Rice contains roughly 429 calories, with 25g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value) and protein (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 965mg per serving (42% 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 use cooked rice instead of uncooked rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can use cooked rice, but reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet. About 1/4 to 1/3 cup of cooked rice should be sufficient.
Can I freeze the pork balls before cooking?
Absolutely! You can form the meatballs and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for tomato juice?
If you don’t have tomato juice, you can use broth or a thin vegetable soup instead. Alternatively, a mixture of crushed tomatoes and a little water can work as a flavorful substitute in this recipe.
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).