Description
Discover the delightful fusion of flavors in these Mexican Meatballs Baked with Rice. This family-friendly dish combines tender beef meatballs, creamy cheese, and fragrant spices, all nestled atop a bed of fluffy rice and smothered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive gathering with friends, this recipe is as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Experience the vibrant tastes of Mexican cuisine and elevate your mealtime with these flavorful meatballs that are sure to please everyone at your table.
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 egg
- 100 g breadcrumbs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 200 g grated cheese
- 300 g cooked rice
- 400 g canned diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, cumin, and paprika. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs about 3 cm in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan, heat diced tomatoes and oregano over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
- In an oven-safe dish, layer cooked rice at the bottom, add the baked meatballs on top, cover with tomato sauce, and finish with grated cheese.
- Bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball (150g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating chopped bell peppers or zucchini into the meatball mixture. You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version. Serve with fresh salsa or guacamole for an extra kick.