Turn up the heat in your kitchen with these irresistible Spicy Rice Meatballs! This flavorful fusion of tender ground beef, fluffy cooked white rice, and a warm blend of spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and red chili flakes creates a bold, savory bite every time. Perfectly seared in olive oil, then baked to perfection, these meatballs are simmered in a rich tomato sauce for a mouthwatering finish. Quick and easy to make in just under an hour, they're ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Serve these juicy meatballs over rice, with pasta, or enjoy them solo for a protein-packed, spicy delight. Don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and extra freshness!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked white rice, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, red chili flakes, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, searing them on all sides for about 3–4 minutes until lightly browned. Transfer the seared meatballs back to the baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
In the same skillet, add the tomato sauce and water. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, scraping up any browned bits in the pan for added flavor.
Add the cooked meatballs to the simmering sauce and let them cook for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve the spicy rice meatballs hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired. They pair wonderfully with rice, pasta, or enjoyed on their own!
Calories |
2026 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 132.4 g | 170% | |
| Saturated Fat | 43.1 g | 216% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 551 mg | 184% | |
| Sodium | 4373 mg | 190% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 111.3 g | 40% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.4 g | 30% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.6 g | ||
| Protein | 107.2 g | 214% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 217 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 16.2 mg | 90% | |
| Potassium | 1671 mg | 36% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.