Fajita Meatballs and Rice

(from castro15’s recipe box)

Categories: Meals

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. baby bell peppers, quartered and seeded
  • 1 onion, thickly sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for the pan
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1 8-inch flour tortilla
  • 1 cup converted white rice
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1 1/4 lbs. ground beef
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Sour cream, pickled jalapenos, and crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco, for topping

Directions

  1. Arrange racks in the middle and upper third of oven; preheat the broiler. Line 2 baking sheets with foil. Toss the bell peppers and onion with the olive oil and a big pinch of salt and pepper on one of the baking sheets. Broil on the middle oven rack, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are crisp-tender and lightly charred, 15 to 20 minutes.

  2. Meanwhile, tear the tortilla into small pieces and combine in a large bowl with 1/4 cup hot water. Stir well and set aside to soften, about 5 minutes.

  3. Combine the rice, salsa, 2 cups water and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stir well and cover. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the rice is tender but still saucy, about 15 minutes. Uncover and stir well.

  4. Brush the second baking sheet with olive oil. Using your fingers, squish and crumble the soaked tortilla pieces in the bowl. Add the beef, egg, chili powder, cumin, 3/4 tsp salt and black pepper; mix well. Form into 16 meatballs, about 2 tbsp each. Place on the oiled pan. Broil on the upper oven rack until browned and cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes.

  5. Divide the rice among plates. Top with the meatballs, peppers and onion. Serve with sour cream, jalapenos and cheese.

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