These Porcupine Meatballs are a classic comfort food, combining juicy ground beef with tender rice and a rich tomato sauce. They’re easy to make and perfect for a family meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (use lean beef for a healthier option, or slightly higher fat content for juiciness)
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce (half for the meatballs and half for the sauce)
- 1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice (helps bind the meatballs and gives them their “porcupine” texture)
- 1/2 cup water (to mix with tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce for cooking liquid)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (adds a sweet and savory base flavor)
- 1 egg, beaten (binds the meatballs together)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (adds umami flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon each of dried basil, thyme, rosemary, and oregano (classic Italian seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (robust garlic flavor without fresh garlic)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions:
1. Mix Meatball Ingredients:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, beaten egg, and 1/4 cup of tomato sauce.
- Add the finely chopped onion, basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Use your hands or a spoon to mix until well combined but avoid over-mixing.
2. Form the Meatballs:
- Scoop out the mixture and roll into 1 1/2-inch balls. You should get about 20 meatballs.
- Place the formed meatballs in a large skillet, spaced slightly apart.
3. Prepare the Cooking Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, mix the remaining tomato sauce with 1/2 cup of water and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir to combine into a smooth sauce.
4. Cook the Meatballs:
- Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the meatballs in the skillet.
- Set the skillet over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, gently turn each meatball over and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes with the lid on, ensuring they cook through and the rice becomes tender.
5. Serve:
- Once the meatballs are fully cooked and the rice is tender, serve hot.
- These meatballs are perfect with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy:
These Porcupine Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food—tender, juicy meatballs cooked in a savory tomato sauce with a hint of Worcestershire sauce and flavorful herbs. Perfect for any dinner!