Description

“Porcupine Meatballs are a classic, comforting dish featuring ground beef meatballs filled with rice, simmered in a savory tomato sauce. This easy, hearty meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, packed with flavor and nostalgia, and can be made ahead or frozen for future meals.”

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef

½ cup uncooked long-grain white rice

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried)

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

2 cups tomato sauce

1 cup beef broth

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)

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Instructions

Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
Shape the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs.
Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning gently until golden on all sides (optional but recommended for flavor).
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet or separate pot, whisk together tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
Simmer the Meatballs: Return meatballs to the sauce, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice inside meatballs is cooked.
Finish and Serve: Once meatballs are cooked through and rice has expanded, remove from heat. Garnish with parsley, if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Add Vegetables: Add chopped bell peppers, carrots, or celery to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

Ground Turkey Option: Use ground turkey for a lighter version.

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.