If you are looking for a comforting, hearty meal that combines tender meatballs with a flavorful, savory tomato sauce, then this Easy Baked Porcupine Meatballs Recipe is an absolute must-try. These delightful little bites get their spiky nickname from the rice poking out of the meatballs, creating the perfect texture and satisfying bite. Plus, the baked method means one less step in the kitchen, making it a wonderful dish for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become one of your favorites to pull from the recipe box anytime you’re craving a warm, filling home-cooked meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Easy Baked Porcupine Meatballs Recipe is simple yet essential, blending to achieve a balance of heartiness, flavor, and that classic comfort food feel. From the lean ground beef providing the meaty foundation to the rice adding a unique texture, each component plays its part beautifully.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The star protein that ensures moist, juicy meatballs without too much fat.
- 1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice: Adds a wonderful texture and swells perfectly cooked inside the meatballs.
- 1 egg: Acts as the binder holding everything together for perfect shape and consistency.
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped: Offers a mild sharpness and sweetness that enhances the meat’s flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of aromatic depth to the meat mixture and the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings the classic herbal notes that complement the tomato sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Pepper, to taste: Gives a gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning.
- 2 (14 ounce) cans tomato sauce: Creates the rich, tangy sauce that bathes the meatballs during baking.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth to the sauce for perfect simmering.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Gives a subtle umami boost to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Reinforces that savory garlic flavor in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon packed brown sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomato sauce with a soft sweetness.
How to Make Easy Baked Porcupine Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and positioning the rack right in the middle. This setup ensures your meatballs cook evenly throughout, gently baking rather than frying or boiling, which keeps them tender and juicy while the rice inside softens perfectly.
Step 2: Mix and Form the Meatballs
Grab a large bowl, and combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, egg, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly but gently — overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Once well combined, roll the mixture into about twenty 1.5-inch meatballs. As you shape each one, carefully place them into a 9×13 baking dish, spacing them just enough so the tomato sauce can later surround each meatball.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and brown sugar. This sauce is crucial because it flavors the meatballs and ensures the rice cooks fully inside. After mixing, pour this luscious sauce evenly over the assembled meatballs, making sure every bite will be soaked in that tangy, savory goodness.
Step 4: Bake and Finish
Cover your baking dish tightly with foil or a sealed lid to trap steam — this step helps cook the rice inside the meatballs thoroughly. Pop the dish into the oven and let it bake for 1 hour. If after an hour the rice inside isn’t quite tender yet, no worries! Just keep baking, checking every 10 minutes until it’s perfectly soft. The result? Mouthwatering meatballs with tender rice inside, bathing in a rich tomato sauce, ready to make your dinner unforgettable.
How to Serve Easy Baked Porcupine Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Serving these meatballs with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a refreshing herbal note and vibrant color that will brighten the dish. A little grated Parmesan cheese on top also brings out extra richness that pairs wonderfully with the tomato sauce.
Side Dishes
These baked porcupine meatballs are hearty enough to stand on their own, but pairing them with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery noodles makes the meal even more comforting. A simple side salad with a crisp vinaigrette can add a lovely contrast, balancing the meal with some fresh, crunchy greens.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the meatballs over a bed of cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables for a lighter take. You could also turn this into a party appetizer by serving smaller meatballs on toothpicks with dipping sauce on the side — perfect for sharing and impressing guests with this homestyle favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Easy Baked Porcupine Meatballs Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish again without spending extra time cooking.
Freezing
These meatballs freeze beautifully. Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will keep well for up to 3 months, making them a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm the meatballs and sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them covered for a few minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. The rice inside stays tender and juicy, just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this recipe?
You can use brown rice, but since it takes longer to cook, you should pre-cook it before mixing it into the meatball mixture to ensure it gets tender during baking.
Is it necessary to cover the dish while baking?
Yes, covering the dish traps steam, which is essential for cooking the rice inside the meatballs thoroughly and keeps them moist.
Can I make these meatballs in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meatballs first, then add to the slow cooker with the sauce and cook on low for 4-6 hours. This method is convenient and yields very tender meatballs.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or a dash of balsamic vinegar can provide a similar depth of flavor in the sauce.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well. Just keep in mind they are leaner meats, so the meatballs might be a bit less juicy. Adding a small amount of olive oil or an extra egg can help maintain moisture.
Final Thoughts
Making the Easy Baked Porcupine Meatballs Recipe is such a joyful experience because it brings together simple ingredients to create a comforting and flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it becomes a weeknight staple or a special family dinner, these meatballs are sure to win hearts with every bite. Give this recipe a try, and watch how quickly it earns a permanent spot in your kitchen favorites!
Print
Easy Baked Porcupine Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Baked Porcupine Meatballs are a comforting classic made with lean ground beef, rice, and a savory tomato sauce. Baked to perfection, they offer a hearty, flavorful meal that’s simple to prepare and perfect for family dinners. The meatballs are tender and juicy, with the rice cooking right inside for a delightful texture.
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 egg
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pepper, to taste
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 (14 ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon packed brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and position the oven rack in the middle to ensure even baking.
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, uncooked rice, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Form the mixture into approximately 20 meatballs, each about 1.5 inches in diameter, and arrange them in a 9×13-inch baking dish as you go.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate medium bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and brown sugar until well blended. Pour this sauce evenly over the meatballs in the baking dish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or a suitable lid to trap moisture, which is essential for properly cooking the rice inside the meatballs. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- Check and Continue Baking if Needed: After 1 hour, check to ensure the rice inside the meatballs is fully cooked and tender. If the rice is still undercooked, recover the dish and continue baking, checking periodically until the rice softens to your liking.
Notes
- Ensure the baking dish is tightly covered to allow the rice to cook properly inside the meatballs.
- You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
- For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce mixture.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
