These hearty Spicy Rice Meatballs are a comforting slow-cooker classic, combining ground beef and veal with uncooked rice that absorbs the flavorful sauce as it cooks. The blend of tomato sauce, juice, chili powder, and green chiles creates a rich, zesty topping that permeates every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish requires minimal hands-on time before simmering gently for hours. Serve the tender meatballs over the thickened sauce for a satisfying, family-friendly meal that brings warmth and bold flavor to your table.
Spicy Rice Meatballs
Description
These hearty Spicy Rice Meatballs are a comforting slow-cooker classic, combining ground beef and veal with uncooked rice that absorbs the flavorful sauce as it cooks. The blend of tomato sauce, juice, chili powder, and green chiles creates a rich, zesty topping that permeates every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish requires minimal hands-on time before simmering gently for hours. Serve the tender meatballs over the thickened sauce for a satisfying, family-friendly meal that brings warmth and bold flavor to your table.Ingredients
Directions
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In a large bowl, beat the egg with salt, Italian herb seasoning, and pepper.
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Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, ground beef, ground veal, uncooked rice, and bread crumbs to the bowl; mix well until combined.
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Shape the meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls.
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Place the meatballs in a 5-quart or larger electric slow cooker.
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In the same bowl used for the meat, mix together the tomato sauce, tomato juice, chili powder, and diced green chiles.
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Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
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Cover the slow cooker and cook on low setting for 5 1/2 to 6 hours, or until meatballs are no longer pink in the center and the rice is tender.
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Gently lift the meatballs to a warm serving dish and keep warm.
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Skim and discard any fat from the sauce if necessary, then stir the sauce and spoon it over the meatballs.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 20.9kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 1.4g3%
- Saturated Fat 0.4g2%
- Cholesterol 46.6mg16%
- Sodium 2515.5mg105%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.3g1%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.2g
- Protein 1.7g4%
* 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
This slow cooker variation on a long-time family favorite is especially easy to assemble. Chili powder and mild green chiles update the flavor.
If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili powder or use hotter diced green chiles.
You can substitute ground turkey for the veal if preferred. Ensure the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink before serving.
For best results, do not cut the meatballs open to check for doneness until the end of the cooking time to prevent the rice from drying out.
