Why Make This Recipe
Porcupine Meatballs are a delightful and comforting dish that offers a perfect balance of flavors. This recipe brings together lean ground beef, rice, and aromatic seasonings, making it not only tasty but also filling. It’s an excellent option for a family dinner, serving as a hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
How to Make Porcupine Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup long-grain rice
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 29 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup low sodium chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, rice, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into about 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
- In another mixing bowl, combine the tomato sauce, chicken stock, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour half of the sauce into the baking dish. Arrange the meatballs on top, then cover them with the remaining sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 1 hour, until the rice is tender and the meatballs are fully cooked.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy your meal.
How to Serve Porcupine Meatballs
Porcupine Meatballs can be served with a side of vegetables, over rice, or with crusty bread. They are perfect for soaking up the delicious tomato sauce.
How to Store Porcupine Meatballs
Leftover Porcupine Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Tips to Make Porcupine Meatballs
- Ensure the rice is long-grain for the best texture.
- Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preference.
- If you want to make it a bit spicier, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Variation
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish. Additionally, try adding chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrients.
FAQs
Q: Can I use minute rice for this recipe?
A: It’s best to use long-grain rice as it cooks evenly and gives the meatballs the right texture.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and bake them when you’re ready to serve.
Q: What can I serve with Porcupine Meatballs?
A: You can serve them with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad to complete your meal.
Porcupine Meatballs
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup long-grain rice Ensure the rice is long-grain for the best texture.
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Sauce
- 29 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup low sodium chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, rice, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into about 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
Sauce Preparation
- In another mixing bowl, combine the tomato sauce, chicken stock, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Baking
- Pour half of the sauce into the baking dish. Arrange the meatballs on top, then cover them with the remaining sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 1 hour, until the rice is tender and the meatballs are fully cooked.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy your meal.