Savory Meatballs with Rice in a Rich Tomato Sauce
Experience the comforting taste of Porcupine Meatballs, a hearty dish featuring tender meatballs made with ground beef, rice, and a blend of savory seasonings, all baked in a luscious tomato sauce. This meal offers a perfect combination of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying choice for any occasion.
Unlike traditional meatballs, these feature rice mixed directly into the meat mixture, adding a unique heartiness to each bite. And don’t worry—no porcupines are involved in this recipe! The name simply reflects the rice’s texture as it cooks, resembling the quills of a porcupine.
Ingredients for Porcupine Meatballs
- Meat Mixture: Lean ground beef is ideal for these meatballs, providing both flavor and moisture. You can substitute with ground pork or turkey if preferred.
- Rice: Use long-grain rice, which can be either leftover cooked rice or uncooked raw rice. Both work well—refer to the recipe notes for details.
- Sauce: The sauce combines tomato juice, tomato soup, and tomato sauce for a rich, slightly sweet, and tangy flavor. Feel free to use homemade tomato sauce if you prefer.
Cream Sauce Variation
For a different twist, try a creamy mushroom sauce instead of the tomato-based sauce. Mix 1 can of mushroom soup, 1 cup of beef broth, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Pour over the meatballs and bake as directed.
How to Make Porcupine Meatballs
- Prepare Meatballs: Combine meatball ingredients and form into balls (see recipe below).
- Arrange in Casserole: Place meatballs in a casserole dish.
- Prepare Sauce: Mix sauce ingredients and pour over the meatballs.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Serving Suggestions
Porcupine Meatballs are delicious served over rice or pasta, but they also pair well with mashed potatoes or oven-roasted potatoes.
How to Freeze Porcupine Meatballs
These meatballs freeze wonderfully! Prepare as directed, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or container. Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Enjoy making and sharing these savory Porcupine Meatballs, and don’t forget to tag your creations on Instagram—I’d love to see how they turn out!
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