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Porcupine Meatball

A hearty and flavorful meatball recipe with rice cooked inside, creating a unique porcupine appearance, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Tomato Sauce
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed tomato soup
  • 1 cup water or beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon sugar balances the acidity of tomatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Mix Your Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, breaking it up loosely with your hands. Add the rice, onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently until combined.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per meatball and roll into a smooth ball. Aim for uniform size for even cooking.
  3. Make the Tomato Sauce: Combine tomato sauce, condensed tomato soup, and water or beef broth in a large skillet. Stir until smooth, then add sugar, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Season to taste.
  4. Brown the Meatballs (Optional But Recommended): Heat oil in a pan and brown the meatballs for about 2 minutes per side to develop flavor.
  5. Simmer Low and Slow: Arrange meatballs in the sauce, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45-55 minutes.
  6. Check for Doneness: Cut a meatball in half to ensure rice is tender and meat is fully cooked. If necessary, continue simmering for 10 additional minutes.
  7. Rest and Serve: Let the meatballs rest in the sauce for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with variations, such as adding cheese or using different proteins. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.