Mexican-Style Meatballs and Rice

One of my other "experiments" when I wanted meatballs and my son wanted Mexican. I hope you like it. Cooking time doesn't include rice. If you want, you could just use the meatballs as an appetizer.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs ground beef
• 1⁄3 cup  breadcrumbs
• 1 (1 1/4ounce) package  taco seasoning mix
• 1⁄4-1⁄3 cup  finely chopped onion
• 1⁄4 cup  finely chopped green pepper (optional)
•  enough oil to fry  meatballs
• 16  ounces salsa
• 3  cups cooked rice
• 3  cups  Mexican blend cheese (optional) or 3  cups  taco blend cheese (optional)

Directions

1. Mix together beef, taco seasoning, onion, green pepper, and bread crumbs.
2. Lightly form into 1/2-inch balls.
3. In medium-sized skillet over medium heat, lightly brown meatballs in oil.
4. Drain and return to skillet. Add salsa and simmer until salsa is warm and meatballs are heated through.
5. Serve over rice and sprinkle with cheese if desired.