Porcupine Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

A fun twist on traditional meatballs, these porcupine meatballs are made with ground beef, onions, rice, and simmered in a savory tomato sauce. A delicious and hearty dish perfect for dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Porcupine meatballs are a delightful variation of the classic meatball. The combination of ground beef and uncooked rice inside each meatball creates a fun “porcupine” texture, as the rice peeks out during cooking. The meatballs simmer in a savory tomato sauce, soaking up all the delicious flavors. They’re easy to make, hearty, and perfect for a family meal or casual dinner. The best part? You’ll have a warm, comforting dish on the table in just over an hour!

Ingredients

• 15 ounces tomato sauce

• 1 cup water, divided

• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

• ½ cup long-grain white rice, uncooked

• ⅓ cup chopped onion

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon paprika

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 2 tablespoons canola oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Make the sauce:

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, ½ cup water, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.

Prepare the meatball mixture:

3. In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, ½ cup water, chopped onion, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika. Toss the ingredients together until mixed.

Add the ground beef:

4. Add the ground beef and canola oil to the rice mixture, then mix thoroughly until the beef is well combined and the mixture is evenly incorporated.

Form the meatballs:

5. Scoop out 1-2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball. Place the meatball in a 9×13 baking dish. Repeat this step until all meatballs are formed, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Bake the meatballs:

6. Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the meatballs, giving the baking dish a gentle shake to distribute the sauce. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked.

Serve:

7. Serve the porcupine meatballs hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 30 meatballs

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Add Veggies: You can mix in finely chopped vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to the meatball mixture for added nutrition.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the tomato sauce for some heat.

• Different Rice: Use brown rice or wild rice for a heartier option, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

• Cheese: Add some grated Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella inside the meatballs for a cheesy surprise when you bite into them.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover porcupine meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual servings or heat them in a saucepan on low heat until warmed through. You can also freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months; just be sure to store them in a freezer-safe container. To reheat from frozen, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey for a leaner alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

2. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before baking, or freeze them for longer storage.

3. How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The meatballs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can also check that they’re no longer pink in the center.

4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the tomato sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before using.

5. Can I bake these meatballs in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake the meatballs in a slow cooker. Just place the uncooked meatballs in the slow cooker, pour the tomato sauce over them, and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

6. Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can use other types of rice like brown rice or jasmine rice, though cooking times may vary. Just ensure the rice is uncooked when mixing it into the meatballs.

7. Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can use chicken, or lamb in place of ground beef, though the flavor and texture may differ slightly.

8. Can I make these meatballs without Worcestershire sauce?

Yes, you can omit the Worcestershire sauce or replace it with soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.

9. Are these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free. Just ensure that the Worcestershire sauce and any other optional seasonings are gluten-free.

10. Can I make these meatballs in a different type of pan?

Yes, you can use a large casserole dish or a 9×13-inch baking pan for this recipe. Just be sure that the meatballs are spaced about 1 inch apart for even cooking.

Conclusion

Easy Porcupine Meatballs in Tomato Sauce offer a fun twist on a classic dinner, combining the savory richness of ground beef with the heartiness of rice. The tomato sauce adds a savory depth of flavor, making these meatballs an ideal meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping ahead for busy nights, these meatballs are sure to please everyone at the table.

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