Spanish Rice and Meatballs

Submitted by Barb in WNY

"Clipped from a magazine years ago. This recipe is so good my brother asked for a copy. Very unusual."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 5mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 4 slices turkey bacon
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1⁄2 cup soft breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup green pepper, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup celery, chopped
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup rice, uncooked
• 16 ounces tomatoes
• 1 cup water

directions

1. Sauté bacon until crisp in a large frying pan; remove and drain on paper towels.
2. Mix ground beef lightly with egg, breadcrumbs, and 1 teaspoon salt until well blended; shape into 16 small balls.
3. Brown in bacon drippings in he same pan; push to one side.
4. Stir onion, celery, green pepper, and chili powder into pan; sauté until vegetables are soft.
5. Stir in rice, tomatoes, water and remaining salt; heat to boiling, stirring lightly to mix; cover.
6. Simmer, adding more water if mixture seems dry, about 45 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
7. Garnish with saved bacon.