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Porcupine Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

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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!

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 30 meatballs

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)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, ½ cup water, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the meatball mixture: 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.
  4. Add the ground beef: 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.
  5. Form the meatballs: Scoop out 1-2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll 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.
  6. Bake the meatballs: 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.
  7. Serve: Serve the porcupine meatballs hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add some grated Parmesan to the meatball mixture.
  • Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
  • These meatballs can be served with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side salad.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 meatball
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 510mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/porcupine-meatballs-in-tomato-sauce/