We’ve got fun plays on bulgogi and donburi if you’re just looking to find the most direct and delicious route to getting ground beef in your child’s gullet, but if your toddler is the sort who needs a meal to be wrapped in carbs–bread, pasta, wrapped in mashed potatoes–these toddler-friendly rice balls with ground beef are your move. It’s essentially a ball of rice stuffed with ground beef, what you would call onigiri in Japan but is more understood by your child as that handheld-glob-he/she-stuffs-in-her-face. Here, we use the same marinade as that on our bulgogi–but you could also use bottled teriyaki sauce to similar results–to give it a slightly-sweet flavor to cut through all those carbs; the rice–and a little bit of everything bagel seasoning–does the rest.
(Note: sushi rice is the critical ‘glue’ that makes all the bits stick in these toddler-friendly rice balls; swap it out at your own risk. See ‘Adapt’ section below if you intend to try with a different grain type.)
Can I use brown rice instead of sushi rice? Sushi rice is highly recommended because its stickiness holds the ingredients together. If using brown rice, you will likely need to freeze the balls for 20 minutes after forming to prevent them from falling apart.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly? Yes! These rice balls freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. Reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.
What if I don't have Everything Bagel Seasoning? You can substitute with plain toasted sesame seeds or even crushed nori (seaweed) snacks for a more traditional Japanese flavor.
My toddler-friendly rice balls are falling apart; what did I do wrong? The most common culprits are rice that is too dry or hands that are too dry. Ensure you are using sushi rice and keep your hands damp while rolling to help the rice compress.
Can I hide vegetables in these? Absolutely. Finely grated carrots or very small pieces of steamed broccoli can be mixed into the rice and meat mixture without affecting the structural integrity.
And check out all our great ground beef recipes + all our great dinner recipes!
These Toddler-Friendly Rice Balls are the ultimate handheld meal for kids who love savory flavors. Packed with protein and "glued" together with sticky sushi rice, they are perfect for little hands and picky eaters.
No utensils needed for these–your toddler can just pick up and attack. If sauce is needed, a bit of soy, oyster, or teriyaki sauce will do. Steamed broccoli or green beans in a bit of oyster sauce make a fine (and, thankfully lighter) side.
Feel free to swap out the ground meat for, say, leftover rotisserie chicken–just make sure to chop it up finely so that the bits are not much bigger than the grains of rice. If you don’t have sushi rice, there is a way to make it work: soak your rice grain in water for a long long time–at least two hours–then pour it in a microwave-safe container; add a cup of boiling hot water to the rice, cover, and heat for three minutes. Stir, then microwave for another three minutes. Continue as described above, though we recommend freezing the balls for 15-20 minutes after making them to ensure they stick together.
Servings 10
Serving Size 1 rice ball
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Brad (the Dad) is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of New Dad's Kitchen. His own cooking/feeding journey started humbly during his son's infancy, preparing and managing his son's bottle intake in order to support his wife; it has since blossomed into a full-on passion to feed his child and family delicious and healthy meals that can satisfy both a toddler and his very tired parents.
