Rice Balls(Makes 3 Dozen)
Delicious rice balls filled with seasoned meat and cheese, offering a savory, hearty flavor perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 c. short grain rice ⓘ
- 7 c. salted water ⓘ
- 1 stick margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 c. cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. lean ground meat ⓘ
- 3/4 c. chopped green onions ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 3 whole eggs ⓘ
- 5 c. seasoned bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Add rice to salted water and bring to a boil.
- Simmer until rice is mushy.
- Remove from heat and add margarine. Cool.
- Fry meat in 1/4 cup cooking oil until it loses redness.
- Add chopped onions and celery; cook slowly for 10 minutes.
- Add chili powder, tomato sauce, and water; simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and add parsley, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Set aside to cool.
- Form mixture into balls and stuff with filling if desired.
- Beat eggs in a bowl.
- Dip rice balls into beaten eggs.
- Roll rice balls in seasoned bread crumbs.
- Fry until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Arborio rice instead of short grain. If you're looking to lighten the dish, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan option. If you prefer a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños to the filling. These rice balls are versatile and can be stuffed with your favorite ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these rice balls as a delightful appetizer or main dish alongside a fresh salad or marinara sauce for dipping. They also pair beautifully with Bechamel Sauce for a creamy contrast. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables or garlic bread. These rice balls can be a fun addition to a party platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rice balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but be aware that this might make the breading less crispy. Freezing is also an option; just ensure they are well-wrapped.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Balls(Makes 3 Dozen) contains roughly 477 calories, with 5g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g 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 make these rice balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice balls and freeze them before frying. This allows you to have them ready for a quick meal or snack. Just thaw and fry them when you're ready to serve. If you prefer, you can also bake them instead of frying for a healthier option.
What can I use instead of ground meat?
For a vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with cooked lentils, quinoa, or diced vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. You can also use plant-based meat alternatives available in stores. Just ensure you adjust the seasoning accordingly to enhance the flavors of your filling.
How do I ensure the rice balls hold their shape?
To help the rice balls maintain their shape, make sure the rice is well-cooked and slightly sticky. Allow the filling to cool before mixing it with the rice. When forming the balls, press them firmly but gently to avoid breaking. If they seem too loose, adding a bit more bread crumbs can help bind them.
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).