This hearty dish combines juicy minced meatballs baked in a creamy mushroom sauce with a side of fragrant spiced rice. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it’s packed with flavor and sure to impress!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 500 g (1.1 lb) minced meat
- 1 egg
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 300 g (10.5 oz) bread, soaked in 200 ml milk
- Olive oil, for greasing
For the Mushroom Sauce:
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 10-12 champignons (mushrooms), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Thyme, to taste
- 200 ml (3/4 cup) cream
- 180 g (6.3 oz) processed cheese
- 200 g (7 oz) shredded cheese
For the Spiced Rice:
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 chili pepper
- 2 cardamom pods
- 2 cloves
- 200 g (1 cup) rice
- 600 ml (2 1/2 cups) water
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine minced meat, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic, paprika, and finely chopped onion.
- Soak the bread in milk until soft, then squeeze out excess milk and add to the meat mixture. Mix well.
- Shape into small meatballs and set aside.
- Cook the Mushroom Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion until golden brown.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, salt, black pepper, and thyme.
- Pour in cream and add processed cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Grease a baking dish with olive oil. Arrange the meatballs in the dish.
- Pour the mushroom sauce over the meatballs and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Prepare the Spiced Rice:
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Add the onion, garlic, cinnamon stick, chili pepper, cardamom, and cloves. Cook until fragrant.
- Stir in the rice and cook for 2 minutes. Add water and salt, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium.
- Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Serve:
- Garnish the baked meatballs with parsley. Serve hot with the spiced rice on the side.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Add a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Serve with steamed vegetables for added nutrition.
Cooking Tips
- Use a mix of ground beef and pork for juicier meatballs.
- Adjust the spice level of the rice by adding or reducing the chili pepper.
- Add grated Parmesan to the mushroom sauce for extra flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
- Protein: From the meatballs and cheese, essential for muscle repair.
- Fiber: From the spiced rice, aiding digestion.
- Vitamins: Mushrooms provide vitamin D, while parsley adds vitamin C.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free: Substitute bread with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Low-Carb: Omit the rice and serve with steamed vegetables.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 180°C (356°F) for 10 minutes or in the microwave.
- Freeze: Freeze meatballs and sauce for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors.
- Perfect for meal prepping.
- A comforting dish for all seasons.
- Easily customizable with different spices and vegetables.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Baked Meatballs with Creamy Mushroom Sauce and Spiced Rice recipe is a true comfort food that’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor. The tender meatballs, creamy sauce, and fragrant rice make it a dish your family will ask for again and again. Enjoy a hearty, delicious meal that brings everyone to the table!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, ground chicken or turkey works well.
- What cheese can I use instead of processed cheese? Cheddar or Gouda are great substitutes.
- Can I skip the rice? Yes, serve the meatballs with mashed potatoes or pasta instead.
- How do I make this dairy-free? Use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.
- Can I add vegetables to the meatballs? Yes, grated zucchini or carrots are excellent additions.
- What other spices can I use in the rice? Cumin or turmeric can be added for a different flavor.
- Can I prepare this in advance? Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate. Bake before serving.
- How do I prevent the meatballs from drying out? Don’t overbake, and ensure the sauce covers the meatballs.
- Can I freeze the sauce separately? Yes, it freezes well for up to a month.
- What wine pairs well with this dish? A light red wine like Pinot Noir complements the flavors perfectly.