Porcupine Meatballs

Porcupine Meatballs are a classic and comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. They are easy to make and full of flavor, thanks to the combination of ground beef, rice, and a delicious tomato sauce. The name comes from the way the rice sticks out of the meatballs, making them look like little porcupines!

Why Make This Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple and hearty meal that your whole family will enjoy, Porcupine Meatballs are a great choice. They are inexpensive to make and can be served with a variety of sides, making them versatile for any occasion. Plus, they are a great way to use up pantry staples like rice and canned tomatoes.

How to Make Porcupine Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup long-grain rice
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
• 1/2 yellow onion finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 cup cold water
• Salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Directions:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, rice, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper. This will be your meatball mixture.
2. Shape Meatballs: Use a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop to roll the mixture into meatballs. Place the meatballs in a large skillet.
3. Prepare Sauce: In another bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and water.
4. Cook Meatballs: Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 45-50 minutes. The meatballs and rice should be tender.
5. Season and Serve: Taste and season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. Serve the meatballs over mashed potatoes, pasta, or polenta.

How to Serve Porcupine Meatballs

Serve Porcupine Meatballs hot with your favorite side dish. They go well over mashed potatoes because the sauce enhances the flavor. You can also pair them with pasta or polenta for a filling meal. Don’t forget to spoon some extra sauce over each serving!

How to Store Porcupine Meatballs

To store leftover Porcupine Meatballs, let them cool down to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap them well and store them for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Porcupine Meatballs

• Make sure to mix the ingredients gently so the meat doesn’t get tough.
• You can add chopped herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor.
• If you like a bit of spice, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Variation (If Any)

For a healthier version, you could use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber. Mix in some chopped bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies!

FAQs

1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce the day before and refrigerate them. Just cook them when you’re ready to serve.

2. What can I serve with Porcupine Meatballs?
They are great over mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or polenta. You can also serve them with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

3. Can I use frozen meatballs instead?
Absolutely! You can use frozen meatballs. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.