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Porcupine Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Porcupine Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
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Porcupine Meatballs in Tomato Sauce is a comforting, nostalgic dish featuring tender ground beef meatballs mixed with uncooked rice, simmered in a rich and tangy tomato sauce. This simple, one-pot meal combines pantry staple ingredients for an easy yet hearty dinner that’s perfect for family meals or busy weeknights. The rice inside the meatballs swells during cooking, creating a unique texture reminiscent of porcupine quills, while the tomato sauce adds depth and warmth to every bite. This recipe is approachable for all cooking levels, adaptable to dietary preferences, and freezes well for meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried herbs (optional)

Tomato Sauce

  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, milk, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Mix gently but thoroughly to ensure the rice and seasonings are evenly distributed without overworking the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into uniform meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. This size helps them cook evenly and absorb plenty of sauce.
  3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a golden crust. This step locks in flavor and helps keep the meatballs intact during simmering.
  4. Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet, add additional onion and garlic if desired (or use the ones from earlier), cooking until fragrant and softened. Pour in the canned tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and season with additional salt, pepper, and herbs to taste.
  5. Simmer the Meatballs in Sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them gently into the sauce. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30–40 minutes, or until the rice inside the meatballs is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Stir occasionally and adjust the sauce consistency if needed by adding a splash of broth or water.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to help meatballs hold together and cook evenly.
  • Don’t skip browning the meatballs as it enhances flavor and texture.
  • Simmer the meatballs low and slow for tender results and a thickened sauce.
  • Measure rice carefully—using too much may dry out the meatballs.
  • Feel free to adjust the thickness of the sauce during simmering to suit your preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: porcupine meatballs, meatballs in tomato sauce, comforting dinner, classic meatball recipe, easy weeknight meal, family-friendly recipe, one-pot meal

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