Rice Meat Balls
Juicy rice meatballs simmered in a flavorful tomato juice sauce, blending savory beef, tender rice, and a hint of onion. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish offers comforting flavors with a touch of sweetness from sugar, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine Minute rice with ground beef, egg, grated onion, salt, margarine, pepper, and 1/2 cup tomato juice.
- Mix lightly until ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape mixture into 18 balls and place them in a skillet.
- Add sugar to the remaining 2 1/2 cups tomato juice.
- Pour the tomato juice mixture over the meatballs in the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes, basting occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, use freshly grated onion instead of pre-packaged to enhance flavor. If you want a lighter version, consider substituting ground turkey for the beef. To save time, you can use leftover rice, but make sure it's cold to prevent the meatballs from becoming mushy. Also, feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially if you enjoy more spices.
Serving Suggestions
These rice meatballs are delicious served over a bed of steamed rice or pasta, and they pair beautifully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving them alongside Nana'S Vegetable Soup(Crock-Pot) for a comforting dinner. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice finishing touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet with a splash of water or tomato juice over medium heat, covering until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish for about 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Meat Balls contains roughly 447 calories, with 21g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value) and protein (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 546mg per serving (24% 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 a different type of rice?
Yes, while Minute rice is convenient, you can use cooked long-grain rice or jasmine rice for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure the rice is cooked and cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for tomato juice?
If you don't have tomato juice on hand, you can blend canned tomatoes with a bit of water or use tomato sauce diluted with water. This will still provide the necessary flavor and moisture for the meatballs.
How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
To make gluten-free rice meatballs, ensure that the ground beef and other ingredients, like the tomato juice, are labeled gluten-free. You can also substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal or a gluten-free binder if needed.
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).