Mariachi Beefballs And Rice
Description
This hearty dish combines tender, seasoned beef meatballs with a rich, spicy tomato sauce featuring green chilies and olives. The meatballs are browned for texture then slow-cooked to absorb the flavors of cumin and chili powder. They are served atop a comforting Mexican rice casserole layered with sour cream and melted Monterey Jack cheese. It is a robust, family-friendly meal that balances savory protein with creamy, cheesy sides.Ingredients
Directions
-
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed corn chips, milk, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and crushed garlic. Mix gently until just combined.
-
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the meat mixture for 1 hour to firm up.
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Shape the chilled meat mixture into 15 meatballs, using about 2 rounded tablespoons of mixture for each.
-
Lightly roll each meatball in 2 tablespoons of flour, coating completely.
-
In a large frying pan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Cook meatballs in batches until evenly browned on all sides.
-
Remove browned meatballs from the pan and set aside.
-
In the same frying pan, reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
-
In a small bowl, mix remaining 1/2 tablespoon flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, chili powder, and cumin.
-
Stir the flour-spice mixture into the onions in the pan and cook for 1 minute.
-
Add undrained tomatoes, drained green chilies, and sliced olives to the pan.
-
Bring the sauce to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 30 minutes.
-
Add the browned meatballs to the tomato mixture. Cover tightly and simmer slowly for 20 minutes.
-
Uncover and continue cooking slowly for another 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
-
While the meatballs cook, prepare the rice: In a bowl, combine sour cream, chopped green chilies (if using extra), and salt.
-
In a 13x9-inch baking pan, layer 1 cup of cooked seasoned rice.
-
Spread half of the sour cream-chili mixture over the rice, then top with half of the Monterey Jack cheese strips.
-
Repeat layers with another cup of rice, the remaining sour cream mixture, and half of the remaining cheese.
-
Top with the remaining cup of rice and remaining cheese.
-
Bake the rice casserole for 25 minutes.
-
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the rice casserole.
-
Top the rice casserole with the hot meatballs and sauce.
-
Return to oven and bake for 5 more minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12 servings
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 799.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 43.3g67%
- Saturated Fat 16.4g82%
- Cholesterol 270.9mg91%
- Sodium 2450.0mg103%
- Total Carbohydrate 31.5g11%
- Dietary Fiber 3.7g15%
- Sugars 8.8g
- Protein 67.6g136%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.