Yummy Balls
Yummy Balls are hearty, savory meat and rice balls baked in a flavorful tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, they combine ground beef, pork, and rice for a satisfying, comforting dish with a rich tomato flavor. Easy to prepare and sure to please everyone.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except the tomato soup; shape into balls and place on a greased baking dish.
- Thin the tomato soup with water and pour it over the Yummy Balls.
- Bake in a 375°F oven for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or chopped herbs like parsley or thyme to the meat mixture. If you're out of cracker crumbs, you can substitute with breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Experiment with different meats or even add finely chopped vegetables for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Yummy Balls over a bed of rice or alongside mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables make for great sides. For a twist, you can pair them with a side of Top Of The Stove Baked Beans for a comforting dinner combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the Yummy Balls in a baking dish with a splash of water or additional tomato soup, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yummy Balls contains roughly 713 calories, with 22g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value), calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2302mg per serving (100% 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 meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef and pork with other meats such as ground turkey or chicken. Just keep in mind that different meats may change the flavor and texture slightly, so adjust seasonings accordingly.
What can I do if the mixture is too dry?
If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a bit of milk or broth to moisten it. Alternatively, adding another egg can help bind the ingredients better while adding moisture.
Can I freeze the Yummy Balls?
Absolutely! You can freeze uncooked Yummy Balls before baking. Just arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).