Ultimate Porcupine Meatballs: Savory Beef and Rice Delight

Sure! Here’s a detailed recipe for making delicious Porcupine Meatballs, perfect for a comforting meal on any day of the week!

Porcupine Meatballs Recipe

Overview:

• Name: Porcupine Meatballs
• Description: These savory meatballs are a classic favorite, featuring a unique blend of ground beef, rice, and seasonings, simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce.
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Recipe Category: White Rice
• Keywords: Rice, Meat, < 60 Mins, Stove Top

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup Minute Rice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/8 cup minced garlic
• 1/3 cup diced onion
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/8 cup Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. Prepare Meatballs:

   Related Articles

   • 
     Tropical Citrus Iced Tea Punch
   • 
     Spicy Stuffed Rouladen: Authentic Mexican Twist Recipe
   • 
     Spinach Bacon Orecchiette Delight
   • 
     Pineapple Dream Cake: A Tropical Delight Recipe
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Minute Rice, water, minced garlic, diced onion, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

2. Form Meatballs:

   • Shape the mixture into meatballs, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Set aside.

3. Prepare Sauce:

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the tomato sauce, water, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.

4. Add Meatballs to Sauce:

   • Once the sauce is simmering, carefully add the prepared meatballs one by one, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. You can gently stir the sauce to coat the meatballs evenly.

5. Simmer Meatballs:

   • Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let the meatballs cook for about 45 minutes. During this time, the rice inside the meatballs will cook and expand, giving them their characteristic “porcupine” appearance.

6. Check for Doneness:

   • After 45 minutes, check the meatballs for doneness. They should be cooked through, with an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). The sauce will have thickened slightly, and the flavors will have melded beautifully.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once the meatballs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the heat. Serve them hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. These meatballs pair wonderfully with fluffy white rice or mashed potatoes and your favorite steamed vegetables.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 295.8
• Total Fat: 17.1g
  • Saturated Fat: 6.7g
• Cholesterol: 77.1mg
• Sodium: 672.9mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 11.5g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0.4g
  • Sugar: 0.7g
• Protein: 22.1g

Recipe Notes:

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatball mixture in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. This is a great time-saving tip for busy weeknights!
• Customization: Feel free to customize the seasonings in the meatballs to suit your taste preferences. You can add herbs like oregano or thyme for extra flavor.
• Storage: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for longer-term storage. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

These Porcupine Meatballs are a nostalgic favorite that’s sure to please the whole family. With their tender texture, flavorful sauce, and satisfying rice filling, they’re a comforting meal option that’s perfect for any occasion. Try making them for your next dinner gathering or cozy night in, and watch them disappear in no time! 🍽️✨