Beef and Pork Rice Meatballs in Tomato Cream Sauce
Pork and beef meatballs with rice simmered in a creamy tomato sauce.
These tender pork and beef meatballs combine partly cooked rice, onion, carrot and egg, then simmer in a tomato and sour cream sauce. Brown the meatballs first for color and finish them gently in the sauce until safely cooked through. Simmer rice in water until partly tender, about 8 minutes; drain and cool. Combine meat, rice, half the onion, egg, garlic, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper. Shape into 16 balls. Heat oil in a deep skillet and brown meatballs in batches; transfer to a plate. Cook remaining onion and carrot 5 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce and 150 ml water; simmer 3 minutes. Return meatballs to pan, cover and simmer 25 minutes. Stir sour cream with a little hot sauce, return to pan and heat gently until meat reaches 71°C (160°F).
Recipe card
Beef and Pork Rice Meatballs in Tomato Cream Sauce
Equipment: Knife, cutting board, mixing bowl and suitable pan
Ingredients
Instructions
Par-cook rice
Simmer rice in water until partly tender, about 8 minutes; drain and cool.
Mix and shape
Combine meat, rice, half the onion, egg, garlic, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper. Shape into 16 balls.
Brown
Heat oil in a deep skillet and brown meatballs in batches; transfer to a plate.
Make sauce
Cook remaining onion and carrot 5 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce and 150 ml water; simmer 3 minutes.
Finish
Return meatballs to pan, cover and simmer 25 minutes. Stir sour cream with a little hot sauce, return to pan and heat gently until meat reaches 71°C (160°F).
How to tell when it is ready
Meatball centres reach 71°C (160°F) and rice is tender.
Tips
- Prepare and measure ingredients before cooking.
- Cut ingredients into even pieces.
- Taste and adjust seasoning near the end.
- Cool leftovers promptly and refrigerate covered.
Troubleshooting
- If the dish is too dry, add a little liquid gradually.
- If browning too quickly, reduce the heat.
Substitutions
- Use a suitable neutral oil if needed.
- Choose vegetable broth for a vegetarian version where appropriate.
Variations
- Adjust herbs or spices to taste.
- Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Serving suggestions
- Serve as part of a balanced meal.
- Pair with a crisp green salad.
- Offer fresh herbs at the table.
- Serve with bread or a suitable grain.
Make ahead
Measure ingredients ahead; refrigerate perishable components and cook shortly before serving.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3 days.
Food safety
Contains egg, wheat and dairy. Cook ground pork and beef to 71°C (160°F).
Frequently asked questions
Can I prepare this ahead?
Prepare components ahead and refrigerate promptly.
How should I store meatballs with tomato cream sauce?
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3 days.
Serve promptly and refrigerate leftovers safely.
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