Savory Porcupine Meatballs – A Classic Comfort Dish with a Twist

If you’re craving something hearty, nostalgic, and full of flavor, Savory Porcupine Meatballs are a timeless favorite. This classic dish combines tender beef, uncooked rice, and a rich tomato sauce that bakes to perfection. The name “porcupine” comes from the little grains of rice that poke out as they cook, giving these meatballs their adorable, prickly look! This recipe is beloved for its simplicity — no frying, no complicated ingredients. Just mix, bake, and enjoy a dish that feels like home. The tomato sauce keeps the meatballs juicy, while the Worcestershire sauce adds a deep, savory note that makes each bite irresistible. Whether you serve them with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread, these meatballs make the perfect family dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup uncooked rice
• 1 egg
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, rice, egg, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape into small meatballs (about 1 inch each) and place them in a baking dish.
4. In another bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, water, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over the meatballs.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Remove foil and bake for 10–15 minutes more, until fully cooked and bubbling.
7. Serve hot with mashed potatoes or vegetables!

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Savory Porcupine Meatballs

A timeless favorite combining tender beef, rice, and a rich tomato sauce that bakes to perfection, making it an easy and hearty family dinner.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meatball Mixture

• 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef for best results.
• 1/2 cup uncooked rice Any long-grain rice works well.
• 1 egg Acts as a binder for the meatballs.
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped Chop finely to evenly distribute flavor.
• 1 tsp garlic powder Garlic flavor enhances the meat.
• 1 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
• 1/4 tsp pepper Freshly ground for best flavor.

Tomato Sauce Mixture

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce Choose a quality brand for best results.
• 1/4 cup water Used to thin the sauce.
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Adds depth of flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, rice, egg, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch each) and place them in a baking dish.

Sauce Preparation

1. In another bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, water, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Pour the sauce over the meatballs.

Baking

1. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until fully cooked and bubbling.
3. Serve hot with mashed potatoes or vegetables!

Notes

These meatballs are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.