Chipotle Tuna Meatballs and Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup Mahatma® Brown Rice
- 3 cans (6 oz each) tuna, drained and flaked
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 tbsp pine nuts
- 3 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped, divided
- 4 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp canned chipotle in adobo, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
Put your air fryer to good use by preparing these Spicy Tuna Meatballs made with canned tuna and chipotle in adobo, coated in a marinara sauce, and all served over a bed of whole grain Mahatma® Brown Rice.
Step 1
Cook brown rice according to package directions.
Step 2
Mix together tuna, eggs, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, 1 tbsp cilantro, mustard, chipotle, garlic, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Roll into 1-inch meatballs.
Step 3
Preheat the air-fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 4
Place half of the meatballs in the air-fryer basket. Drizzle with 1 tbsp oil. Air-fry at 400°F, turning basket halfway during the cook time, for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and heated through. Repeat with remaining meatballs and oil.
Step 5
Meanwhile, in a large skillet set over medium-high heat, bring marinara sauce to boil. Reduce heat to medium. Stir meatballs into sauce; cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until well coated.
Step 6
Serve meatballs over rice. Garnish with remaining cilantro.
How to Cook in the Oven
Alternatively, if you don’t have an air fryer, arrange meatballs on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, about 1 inch apart. Drizzle with oil. Bake in 425°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and heated through.
Leftover Tips
If you are enjoying this recipe with leftover rice or you made more than you can finish. Don’t worry! Simply reheat your rice in the microwave in small batches. Splash some water or broth over the top (about 2 Tbsp per cup of rice) and cover the plate with a damp paper towel or napkin. Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds and enjoy!
Pantry Staple Meatballs
Learn how to make your own meatballs using pantry staple ingredients. Start with canned tuna and add a bit of heat with chipotles in adobo and smoked paprika. To create a compact mix add in bread crumbs, eggs, and Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, cilantro, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper for extra added flavor!
If you’re planning dinner ahead of time, feel free to mix your meatballs in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator the same day before cooking.
Air Fryer Ease
Using kitchen gadgets like air fryers, Instant Pots and slow cookers are often key for getting incredible dinners on the table and fast! Simply prepare your ingredients and let the air fryer do the heavy lifting for you.
Try a few of our favorites using an Instant Pot like this Arroz con Atun (Tuna with Rice) or an Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice, alternatively you can also make this easy Mexican Rice recipe. If you prefer frying things the old fashioned way, then try adapting this recipe to make a great Vegan Paella. Or turn on the oven for our Mexican Chicken and Rice casserole.
Substitution Tip: Craving a more aromatic grain? Head over to our products! When it comes to jasmine vs basmati rice, jasmine is a tad bigger and more moist! Looking for a dessert idea? Try our: Arroz con leche Colombian Recipe.
