Porcupine Meatballs
Tender and flavorful PORCUPINE MEATBALLS with seasoned ground beef and rice mixture simmered in a simple yet delicious tomato sauce. Perfect for serving on top of pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. A hearty, filling, and scrumptious dinner in only an hour!
- Prep time
- 10 min
- Cook time
- 50 min
- Yield
- 12 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1 lb (453.59g) ground beef
- ½ cup (98.5g) uncooked white rice
- ½ cup (118.5g) water
- ¼ cup (28.75g) finely diced onion
- 1 tablespoon (8g) minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon (0.5g) minced thyme
- 2 tablespoons (8g) parsley
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
- pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons (28ml) cooking oil
- ½ - ¾ cup (57.5g-86.25g) diced onion
- 2 teaspoons (10g) minced garlic
- 15 oz (425.25g) tomato sauce
- ½ cup (120ml) milk ((optional))
- 1 cup (237ml) water or more
- 1-2 teaspoons (1.8g-3.6g) Italian seasoning
- ½ - 1 tablespoon (6.25g-12.5g) brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons (10g) Worcestershire sauce
- salt to taste
- chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, white rice, ½ cup water, onion, minced garlic, thyme, parsley salt, and pepper to taste in a bowl. Roll the mixture into about 12 -16 meatballs.
- 2
Heat a large cast-iron or skillet (use an oven safe pot or cast iron, if baking in the oven) over medium-high heat then add about 2 tablespoons oil, as. As soon as oil heats, add the meatballs.
- 3
Brown meatballs for about 2 minutes or more before flipping around. If not, meatballs might fall apart. Brown the other side for another 2 minutes or more or until evenly browned while occasionally flipping it around. Remove and set aside.
- 4
Add onions and garlic to the pan, cook until wilted about 3 minutes or so.
- 5
Pour in tomato sauce, milk (optional), water, and Italian seasoning. Stir for about a minute then add brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt.
- 6
Cover and simmer until the meatballs are no longer pink in the center and the rice is tender, about 45 - 60 minutes. Stir as needed and add more water if the sauce becomes too dry. Adjust with seasonings to taste.