Description
Porcupine Meatballs are a comforting, savory dish that combines tender ground beef and rice meatballs simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. Perfect as a hearty family dinner, these meatballs are easy to make and full of classic Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
Sauce & Garnish
- 1 15oz. can tomato sauce
- 1 15oz. can crushed tomatoes, with juices
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 Tbsp chopped parsley (to garnish)
Instructions
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, stir together the Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: Rinse the rice in cool water and drain well. Add the lean ground beef to a large bowl along with the rice, finely diced onion, minced garlic, egg, and the seasoning mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: Use your hands to mix everything together until evenly combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape Meatballs: Divide and shape the meat mixture into 24 meatballs, about two tablespoons each. Place the shaped meatballs into a large pot or dutch oven, ensuring they can touch and even stacking some if needed.
- Prepare Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, and water until well combined. Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs in the pot.
- Simmer Meatballs: Cover the pot with a lid and bring to a low boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the meatballs simmer gently for 35-40 minutes, allowing the rice inside to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the porcupine meatballs over rice or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and enjoy your homemade comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Make sure to rinse the rice well before adding to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid tough meatballs.
- If you prefer, you can brown the meatballs briefly in a skillet before simmering for extra flavor.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freeze nicely.
- Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
