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–+ servings

Classic Homemade Porcupine Meatballs

These delicious porcupine meatballs are the ultimate comfort food that combines ground beef with rice to create a unique dish where the rice resembles little 'spikes' sticking out of the meatballs as they cook. Simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, this hearty American classic has been warming homes for generations.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 364
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best
  • 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1/4 cup finely diced onion
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 egg lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for browning
  • 1 can 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup water or beef broth
  • Fresh parsley for garnish optional

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, diced onion, 1/4 cup water, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and beaten egg. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  2. Shape the meat mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter (approximately 12-14 meatballs). For perfectly uniform meatballs, use an ice cream scoop to portion the mixture.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). They don't need to be fully cooked at this stage.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, and 1 cup of water or beef broth. Stir well to combine.
  5. Pour the tomato mixture over the meatballs in the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Check that the rice is tender and the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). If the rice needs more time, add a little more water or broth and continue simmering until tender.
  7. Adjust seasoning to taste, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 364kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 35gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 101mgSodium: 1280mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6g
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