Spicy Cajun "Boudin" Meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground Beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped green or red bell pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1-1/2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• Hot pepper sauce

Instructions

1. Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion, celery, bell pepper and garlic. Cook 4 to 7 minutes or until vegetables are tender and begin to brown, stirring occasionally. Transfer vegetables to large bowl; let cool 5 minutes.

2. Preheat oven to 400°F. Combine Ground Beef, vegetables, rice, egg and Cajun seasoning in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 24 1-inch meatballs.

   Cook's Tip:

   If using leftover refrigerated rice, let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before using.

3. Place meatballs on rack in broiler pan that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake in 400°F oven 18 to 20 minutes or until 160°F. Serve with hot sauce, as desired.

   Cook's Tip:

   Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness. 

   For easy clean up, line broiler pan (not rack) with aluminum foil.

• Test Kitchen Tips Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.