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. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers warm, home-style comfort with a zesty kick. The combination of textures from the crisp corn chip crumbs in the meatballs and the soft, baked rice makes every bite satisfying and flavorful.
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
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In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed corn chips, milk, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and crushed garlic. Mix gently until just combined.
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Cover the bowl and refrigerate the meat mixture for 1 hour to firm up.
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Shape the chilled meat mixture into 15 meatballs, using about 2 rounded tablespoons of mixture for each.
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Lightly roll each meatball in 2 tablespoons of flour, coating completely.
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In a large frying pan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Cook meatballs in batches until evenly browned on all sides.
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Remove browned meatballs from the pan and set aside.
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In the same frying pan, reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
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In a small bowl, mix remaining 1/2 tablespoon flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, chili powder, and cumin.
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Stir the flour-spice mixture into the onions in the pan and cook for 1 minute.
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Add undrained tomatoes, drained green chilies, and sliced olives to the pan.
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Bring the sauce to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 30 minutes.
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Add the browned meatballs to the tomato mixture. Cover tightly and simmer slowly for 20 minutes.
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Uncover and continue cooking slowly for another 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
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While the meatballs cook, prepare the rice: In a bowl, combine sour cream, chopped green chilies (if using extra), and salt.
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In a 13x9-inch baking pan, layer 1 cup of cooked seasoned rice.
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Spread half of the sour cream-chili mixture over the rice, then top with half of the Monterey Jack cheese strips.
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Repeat layers with another cup of rice, the remaining sour cream mixture, and half of the remaining cheese.
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Top with the remaining cup of rice and remaining cheese.
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Bake the rice casserole for 25 minutes.
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Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the rice casserole.
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Top the rice casserole with the hot meatballs and sauce.
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Return to oven and bake for 5 more minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 799.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 43.3g67%
- Saturated Fat 16.4g82%
- Cholesterol 270.9mg91%
- Sodium 10047.3mg419%
- 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.
Note
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Substitutions: You can substitute Monterey Jack cheese with Cheddar or Pepper Jack for a spicier kick. Use any leftover cooked rice for the casserole.
Variations: Add diced bell peppers to the onion mixture for extra crunch and color. For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of beef broth.
Tip: Ensure the meatballs are fully browned before adding to the sauce to maintain their texture and prevent them from falling apart during simmering.
