Turkey-Rice Meatballs
Juicy turkey and rice meatballs simmered in a savory tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting family dinner with hearty flavors and tender textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare rice according to package directions to make one cup cooked rice; set aside to cool.
- Combine ground turkey, egg, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and minced onion in a mixing bowl.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Add cooked rice to the meat mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into 2-inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides until golden.
- Pour in the Italian tomato soup, water, and chicken bouillon.
- Cover the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through.
- Remove from heat and serve with sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some grated Parmesan cheese or substituting ground turkey with ground chicken. You can also use leftover rice from other meals to save time. If you want a bit of spice, adding crushed red pepper flakes can enhance the dish. Make sure to let the cooked rice cool before mixing it with the turkey to prevent cooking the egg.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over a bed of pasta or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables pairs well for a complete meal. For a comforting twist, try serving them with mashed potatoes or in a sub sandwich. They also pair beautifully with Chicken Breasts Oriental.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or sauce to keep them moist, covering the pan until warmed through. They can also be microwaved in short intervals until heated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey-Rice Meatballs contains roughly 2183 calories, with 21g protein, 175g carbohydrates, and 160g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (45% of the Daily Value), protein (42% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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
How can I make the dish healthier?
To make this dish healthier, consider using brown rice instead of white instant rice for added fiber. You can also reduce the amount of olive oil used for browning and opt for a leaner ground turkey. Adding more vegetables, like chopped bell peppers or zucchini, to the sauce can also enhance the nutritional value.
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).