Rice-Y-Spicy Meatballs
Spicy meatballs made with rice Krispies and seasoned ground meat, offering a delightful crunch and savory flavor. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, they appeal to those who enjoy bold flavors with a hint of sweetness. Easy to prepare and bake to perfection for family or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 cup Rice Krispies ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2/3 cup instant dry milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 pound ground meat ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons catsup ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons drained pickle relish ⓘ
- 1/4 cup catsup ⓘ
- 1 cup tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg until foamy.
- Add Rice Krispies, catsup, water, chopped onion, dry milk, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well; then add ground meat.
- Mix only until combined.
- Portion using 1 level tablespoon for each meatball.
- Shape into meatballs.
- Place in single layers in a well-greased or foil-lined shallow baking pan.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12 minutes or until well browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider substituting Rice Krispies with crushed corn flakes. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the meat mixture. Make sure not to overmix the meat; this helps keep the meatballs tender.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are perfect served over a bed of spaghetti or alongside a fresh salad. Pair them with garlic bread for a complete meal. For a fun twist, serve them as an appetizer with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They also pair beautifully with Blueberry Jello Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs 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 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but this may affect their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice-Y-Spicy Meatballs contains roughly 558 calories, with 31g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (61% of the Daily Value), iron (54% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2326mg per serving (101% 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 ground meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a combination of meats for a unique flavor. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may require additional moisture to keep the meatballs from becoming dry.
How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
To make the meatballs gluten-free, substitute Rice Krispies with a gluten-free cereal or breadcrumbs. Ensure that all other ingredients, particularly the catsup and any sauces, are also labeled gluten-free.
Can I freeze these meatballs for later use?
Yes, these meatballs freeze well! After baking, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
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).