Savory Italian Sausage and Sweet Potato Rice Balls with Zesty Marinara
Elevate your dining experience with these delectable Savory Italian Sausage and Sweet Potato Rice Balls. Featuring a delightful combination of cooked brown rice and Italian sausage, these bite-sized treats are packed with flavor and nutrition. The addition of tender sweet potatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of feta cheese creates a unique taste that tantalizes your palate. Baked to perfection and served with a vibrant marinara sauce, these rice balls are perfect for entertaining or a cozy family meal. Enjoy them with a sprinkling of fresh Parmesan cheese for an added burst of flavor!
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
brown rice
1 cup (cooked)
Italian sausage
1 cup (cooked and finely diced)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
sweet potatoes
3 cups (diced)
tomato paste
3 tablespoons
dried basil
2 teaspoons
dried oregano
1 teaspoon
garlic
1 tablespoon (minced)
whole wheat bread crumbs
1 cup
egg
1 (slightly beaten)
feta cheese
1/2 cup (finely crumbled)
Ragú® Pasta Sauce
1 cup (for drizzling)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
2
Add the diced sweet potatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, dried basil, and oregano to the saucepan. Cover and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
3
Once cooked, transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and allow it to cool slightly. After cooling, mix in the diced Italian sausage, 3/4 cup of whole wheat bread crumbs, crumbled feta cheese, cooked brown rice, and the slightly beaten egg. Use your hands to combine the mixture thoroughly.
4
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet.
5
Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized pieces and roll them in the remaining bread crumbs until well coated. Arrange the rice balls in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
7
While the rice balls are baking, warm the Ragú® Pasta Sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat.
8
Once baked, remove the rice balls from the oven and serve them drizzled with the warm marinara sauce and garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
25g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is Savory Italian Sausage and Sweet Potato Rice Balls with Zesty Marinara.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include cooked brown rice, Italian sausage, sweet potatoes, whole wheat bread crumbs, feta cheese, and Ragú Pasta Sauce.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains 250 calories.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This recipe provides 13g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in these rice balls?
There are 10g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of rice should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1 cup of cooked brown rice.
How do I prepare the Italian sausage?
The Italian sausage should be cooked and finely diced before being mixed into the rice balls.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
How long do the rice balls need to bake?
Bake them for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
How are the sweet potatoes prepared?
Diced sweet potatoes are cooked in a saucepan with tomato paste, garlic, and herbs until tender.
What kind of cheese is mixed into the rice balls?
1/2 cup of finely crumbled feta cheese is mixed into the filling.
What is the final garnish for the dish?
The rice balls are garnished with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Which pasta sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests using Ragú Pasta Sauce for the zesty marinara component.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with 2 teaspoons of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients in total.
What size should the rice balls be?
The mixture should be shaped into golf ball-sized pieces.
How do I coat the rice balls?
Roll the shaped pieces in the remaining whole wheat bread crumbs until they are well coated.
What is the role of the egg in this recipe?
One slightly beaten egg is used as a binder to help the mixture hold its shape.
How do I start the cooking process?
Start by sautéing finely chopped onions in olive oil for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
Are these rice balls fried or baked?
These rice balls are baked in the oven for a healthier cooking method.
How is the garlic prepared?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
Is the baking sheet greased?
Yes, you should lightly grease the baking sheet before arranging the rice balls.
When should I warm the pasta sauce?
Warm the sauce in a small saucepan while the rice balls are baking.
How is the sauce served?
The warm marinara sauce is drizzled over the baked rice balls before serving.
What type of onion is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion.
How much tomato paste is needed?
You will need 3 tablespoons of tomato paste.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include Italian, sausage, rice balls, baked, appetizer, and comfort food.
Can these be served as an appetizer?
Yes, these bite-sized treats are perfect as an appetizer for entertaining.
What kind of bread crumbs are best?
The recipe specifically calls for whole wheat bread crumbs.