Porcupine meatballs
Savor the comfort of Easy Baked Porcupine Meatballs, a timeless dish blending tender ground beef, rice, and a savory tomato sauce. Perfectly baked to perfection, these meatballs deliver simplicity and flavor.
With just a handful of pantry staples, this recipe transforms into a cozy main course that’s ideal for family dinners or meal prep. These meatballs are versatile, hearty, and pair effortlessly with mashed potatoes, pasta, or a fresh side salad.
Ingredients That Make It Special
For the Meatballs
- Lean ground beef – The star ingredient, providing a hearty base.
- Long-grain white rice – Creates the signature “porcupine” texture as it cooks.
- Garlic and onion – Add depth and a savory bite.
- Egg – Binds the mixture for perfectly shaped meatballs.
- Italian seasoning – A hint of herbs enhances the flavor.
- Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning.
For the Sauce
- Tomato sauce – A tangy, rich base for the dish.
- Chicken broth – Adds a touch of savory richness.
- Garlic powder – Boosts the overall flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce – Offers umami depth.
- Brown sugar – Balances the acidity of the tomato sauce for a touch of sweetness.
Steps to Create Magic in the Oven
A Simple Path to Perfection
- Combine the ground beef, rice, and aromatics, shaping them into perfectly sized meatballs.
- Arrange the meatballs in a baking dish, ensuring they sit snugly.
- Whisk together the tangy tomato sauce, chicken broth, and seasonings for a rich, flavorful pour-over sauce.
- Cover the dish tightly and bake to let the rice and meatballs meld into a tender, satisfying meal.
Tips for Making the Best Porcupine Meatballs
For the fluffiest meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture; this keeps them tender. If you’re out of Italian seasoning, a blend of dried oregano and basil works wonderfully. While brown rice isn’t ideal for this recipe, a quick-cooking alternative could be pre-cooked brown rice if you’re aiming for a healthier twist.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making them even tastier!
Freezing: Lay cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in a covered dish at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in short bursts for a quick dinner fix.
Enjoy the comforting simplicity of Easy Baked Porcupine Meatballs, a dish that never fails to delight!
Porcupine Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 medium onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 cans 14 ounces each tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon packed brown sugar optional but recommended
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and adjust the rack to the center position.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, rice, egg, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to thoroughly incorporate the ingredients. Shape the mixture into approximately 20 meatballs, each about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed meatballs in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a separate medium bowl, mix the tomato sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Stir until well blended, then pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs in the dish.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to ensure the rice cooks properly. Bake for 1 hour. If the rice remains undercooked, return the dish to the oven until the rice has softened.
Notes
- The brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomato sauce but can be omitted if preferred.
- Brown rice is not recommended due to its longer cooking time. If using brown rice, pre-cook it before incorporating it into the meatball mixture.
- For safety, ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F before serving.
- Serves 4 generously or up to 6 smaller portions.