Kittencal's Ground Beef and Feta Rice Balls

"Crunchy on the outside with a delicious ground beef-rice filling oozing with melted chunks of feta cheese, I would suggest to purchase the block of feta cheese and coarsely crumble into small chunks, you may freeze the remainder of the feta to use for another time --- due to the high sodium amount in the feta cheese and Parmesan cheese I strongly suggest to season with salt until after you have added both cheeses --- I have listed the yield at 35 balls this is only estimated you may get a few more more or less, good thing this makes lots you will have them gone in not time! --- you may adjust amounts to suit taste, this recipe is very versatile."
 
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photo by ktenille photo by ktenille
photo by ktenille
photo by ktenille photo by ktenille
photo by ktenille photo by ktenille
photo by ktenille photo by ktenille
Ready In:
39mins
Ingredients:
15
Yields:
35 balls
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ingredients

  • 12 lb ground beef (or use spicy or mild Italian sausages with casings removed)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped (garlic-lovers use more)
  • 3 cups cooked rice, firmly packed when measuring
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 13 cup melted butter
  • 23 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons dried parsley (can use 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley)
  • 13 cup coarsely crumbled feta cheese (can use more)
  • 12 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional add in for more garlic flavor)
  • salt & freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 egg (may need another egg)
  • 1 cup dry breadcrumbs
  • oil, for deep-frying
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directions

  • In a skillet cook the ground beef with onion and garlic until browned; drain fat then transfer to a large bowl, cool slightly.
  • Add in the rice with the next 6 ingredients; using hands mix to combine, then season with salt and pepper and some garlic powder if desired for more garlic flavor.
  • Chill the mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  • Shape into about 1-1/2-inch balls.
  • In a small bowl lightly beat the remaining egg.
  • Place the dry breadcrumbs into another bowl.
  • Dip each rice ball into the egg then coat in the breadcrumb mixture (I would suggest to coat all the balls and place on a plate before starting to fry them).
  • When you have all the balls on the plate flatten down slightly with the palm of your hand this will allow for a quicker and more even browning.
  • Heat oil in a skillet or a deep-fryer to 375 degrees.
  • Fry the balls until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Serve with hot marinara sauce.

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Reviews

  1. I made these tonight. After letting the mixture sit in the refrigerator for two days. I added chopped baby spinach, I needed to use and used my homemade bread crumbs( I made from stale homemade dinner rolls, I try not to waste food ). My husband and his friend ate them with hot sauce. I also made about 8 the size of meatballs, and 9 the size of tennis balls. I must say, the spinach was a great addition. Oh, wetting your hands helps with rolling the rice into balls. Kittencals recipes never disappoints. Will defiantly make again.
     
  2. very good! A little dry but I baked mine will fry next time and maybe add a little more meat and cheese or a little less rice.
     
  3. What a delicious way to use left over rice! I truly enjoyed this wonderful gem! Perfect amounts of every ingredient! I did make one change - instead of frying the meatballs I browned them, then slow cooked them in recipe #204187 (204187) Absolutely the best! I will be making exta rice just to make this recipe! Thanks KITT!!! Another gem from Kittencals Kitchen! :) kitty
     
  4. Awesome recipe! I took some to work because this makes a lot of rice balls and everyone enjoyed them!!! You are the best Kittencal!
     
  5. This is Very Good! I used brown rice so had to add another egg and some flour so it would remain in a ball. It's good without any kind of sauce.
     
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