Description
Porcupine Meatballs are a timeless comfort food made with ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce. Juicy, tender, and baked in a flavorful sauce, these meatballs are perfect for family dinners or cozy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, onion, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently until well blended.
3. Shape into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs and arrange in a single layer in a baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, water, brown sugar, and Italian seasoning.
5. Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs, making sure they are coated.
6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes to thicken the sauce.
8. Remove from the oven, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
For best results, use long-grain rice to achieve that signature “porcupine” texture.
You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
These freeze well for up to 2 months — thaw overnight before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Family Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 3 meatballs)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 25