MEATBALLS WITH RICE IN GREEK TOMATO SAUCE – YOUVARLAKIA

Need a fresh Meatball Recipe? This is just what you’ve been looking for! These Meatballs With Rice In Greek Tomato Sauce – Youvarlakia, are our recent go-to!

From Lizz – There are certain foods we experience that take us right back to the sweet memories of our childhood. These Meatballs with Rice do exactly that for me.

As a child, my Thea Valerie (Vasiliki) was like a second mother to me. She lived with us for a few years and was always watching over my brother and me, as if we were her own. A much younger sister to my mother, my Thea was always there to play with us, plan our birthday parties with fun games (Musical Chairs and Shoe Pile Scramble are etched in my mind!) and as far back as I can remember, was always one of my favorite cooks because she made meal time fun! Her passion in the kitchen is only surpassed by the love she has for her family. Perhaps it’s that love for her family that fuels her passion for cooking delicious and memorable meals.

My Thea Valerie called these little beauties “Porcupine Meatballs” because when cooked, the meatballs looked like little porcupines with the rice covering them. Whenever I make this dish, I think of my Thea Valerie. They are tried and true. They have a family history, and a story of a Thea who loves us deeply and whom we love right back.

Now excuse me while I go call my Thea and let her know how much I love her…

HOW TO MAKE MEATBALLS WITH RICE IN GREEK TOMATO SAUCE – YOUVARLAKIA 

1. Measure out all ingredients for meatballs.
   
2. Combine all ingredients into large mixing bowl, mix with hands to incorporate all ingredients well.
   
3. Use 1/4 cup measuring cup, to evenly divide meat mixture. Shape into 12 oblong meatballs.
   
4. Spread meatballs evenly into a pot with prepared Greek Tomato Sauce.
   
5. Cover and cook meatballs over medium low heat for 10-12 minutes. Turn meatballs with a slotted spoon and cook for another 10-12 minutes. When turning meatballs also give the sauce a lite stir to ensure it is not sticking to the bottom of the pot.
   
6. Meatballs should be ready after 20-24 minutes.
   

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO EVENLY DIVIDE AND SHAPE THE MEAT MIXTURE?

Uniformly divided and shaped meatballs will cook evenly. 

WHY DON’T YOU ADD BREADCRUMBS TO YOUR MEATBALLS?

Most meatball recipes add breadcrumbs that act as a binder and keep the meatballs from falling apart. For our meatballs, the rice acts as the binding agent because it releases starches that absorb the cooking juices from the meat. The rice combined with the egg in the meat mixture creates a firm but moist texture for the meatball.

I PREPARED MY GREEK TOMATO SAUCE EARLIER IN THE WEEK AND NOW IT IS TOO THICK.  WHAT DO I DO?

Before adding the meatballs to the sauce, add 1/2 cup water and stir well.

Meatballs With Rice In Greek Tomato Sauce – Youvarlakia Recipe

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3.50 from 2 votes

Meatballs With Rice In Greek Tomato Sauce - Youvarlakia

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 4

Calories 233kcal

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup white rice
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 1/2 tsp dry Greek oregano
• 1 1/2 tsp dry mint
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 egg
• grated mizithra cheese from garnish
• Greek Tomato Sauce

Instructions

• Measure out all ingredients for meatballs.
• Combine all ingredients into large mixing bowl, mix with hands to incorporate all ingredients well.
• Use 1/4 cup measuring cup, to evenly divide meat mixture.  Shape into 12 oblong meatballs.
• Spread meatballs evenly into a pot with prepared Greek Tomato Sauce.
• Cover and cook meatballs over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes.  Turn meatballs with a slotted spoon and cook for another 10-12 minutes.  When turning meatballs also give the sauce a lite stir to ensure it is not sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Meatballs should be ready after 20-24 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 3Meatballs | Calories: 233kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 864mg | Potassium: 467mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 259IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition Facts

Meatballs With Rice In Greek Tomato Sauce - Youvarlakia

Amount Per Serving (3 Meatballs)

Calories 233 Calories from Fat 63

% Daily Value*

Fat 7g11%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Cholesterol 98mg33%

Sodium 864mg38%

Potassium 467mg13%

Carbohydrates 15g5%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 27g54%

Vitamin A 259IU5%

Vitamin C 5mg6%

Calcium 34mg3%

Iron 3mg17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.