Ultra Simple Porcupine Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Bring comfort food to your table with these Ultra Simple Porcupine Meatballs in Tomato Sauce—a timeless recipe that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. These tender, flavor-packed meatballs combine ground beef, uncooked white rice, and a medley of simple seasonings, creating their signature "porcupine" texture as the rice cooks to perfection. Simmered in a rich and tangy tomato sauce, this one-pan dish is ready in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the savory sauce. Quick, satisfying, and made with pantry staples, this recipe is destined to become a household favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 0.5 cup uncooked white rice
- 0.5 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 15 oz canned tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 2 tbsp optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked white rice, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and the egg. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until well combined.
Shape the meat mixture into approximately 12-14 medium-sized meatballs and set aside on a plate.
Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer. Sear the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned but not fully cooked.
In a separate bowl, mix the canned tomato sauce and water. Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the meatballs in the skillet.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally and ensure the meatballs are fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
Once cooked, remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve the porcupine meatballs warm with your favorite side, such as mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
468 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.1 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.9 g | 50% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 123 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 863 mg | 38% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 29.2 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.1 g | ||
| Protein | 23.7 g | 47% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 58 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 3.4 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 487 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
