Easy Porcupine Meatballs
A comforting and wholesome family meal, these Easy Porcupine Meatballs combine lean ground beef with rice and savory seasonings, baked in a rich tomato sauce until tender. A perfect weeknight dinner!
Equipment
- Baking Dish (9x13 inch)
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium Bowl
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound lean ground beef 85% or 93%
- 0.5 medium yellow onion finely diced
- 0.5 cup long-grain rice
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.75 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Sauce
- 29 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup low sodium chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic about 2 to 3 cloves
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This step helps make cleanup a breeze!
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the lean ground beef, finely diced yellow onion, long-grain rice, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until everything is combined, being careful not to overmix to ensure your meatballs stay tender.
- Roll the mixture into approximately 1-inch meatballs. Aim for consistent sizes so they cook evenly.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, low sodium chicken stock, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until it's well combined and fragrant.
- Pour half of your delicious tomato sauce into the prepared baking dish. Carefully arrange your shaped meatballs in a single layer over the sauce.
- Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the meatballs, making sure they're nicely coated in the savory mixture.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 1 hour, or until the rice inside the meatballs is tender and the meatballs are fully cooked through (they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor, then serve immediately. Enjoy this comforting and wholesome family meal!
Notes
Enjoy this comforting and wholesome family meal!
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 226kcal
- Total Carbs: 23g
- Net Carbs: 20g
- Fats: 6g
- Protein: 21g
