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Porcupine Meatballs Recipe

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4.3 from 10 reviews

Porcupine Meatballs are a comforting classic American dish featuring tender ground beef meatballs studded with uncooked rice, simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce until perfectly cooked. This hearty meal offers a delightful combination of savory spices, a lightly sweetened tomato sauce, and satisfying textures, making it ideal for family dinners or cozy weekend meals.

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce

  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Mix gently just until ingredients are evenly combined to avoid tough meatballs. Shape the mixture into approximately 20 meatballs, each about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, dried Italian seasoning, and salt. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
  3. Add Meatballs to Sauce: Carefully arrange the formed meatballs in a single layer within the simmering sauce. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid to allow the meatballs to cook evenly while absorbing the sauce flavors. Let simmer gently for 35 minutes.
  4. Simmer Uncovered: Remove the lid and continue simmering the meatballs for an additional 10 minutes. Spoon sauce over the meatballs occasionally as the sauce thickens and the rice within the meatballs softens completely. This ensures the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is rich and flavorful.
  5. Serve: Serve the hot porcupine meatballs alongside creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce, creating a fulfilling and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
  • Uncooked rice cooks inside the meatballs as they simmer, absorbing flavors and expanding.
  • Simmering covered helps cook the rice inside the meatballs thoroughly without drying out the sauce.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on beef broth saltiness.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Find it online: https://miracooking.com/porcupine-meatballs-recipe/