Porcupine Meatballs. In a bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. In a large skillet, brown meatballs in oil; drain. This is, by far, the best recipe for porcupine meatballs I have ever had.

While the meatballs bake, the grains of rice pop out and look incredibly similar to porcupine quills. Simmer the meatballs in a quick homemade tomato sauce for a delicious, family-friendly dish.. Porcupine meatballs are an old-fashioned favorite, developed during the depression to stretch the amount of ground meat. You can have Porcupine Meatballs using 12 ingredients and 3 steps. Here is how you achieve that.

Ingredients of Porcupine Meatballs

You need 1 lb of Ground Beef.
Prepare 1/2 cup of Uncooked White Rice.
You need 1/2 cup of Water.
Prepare 1/3 of Minced Onion.
It's 1 tsp of Salt.
Prepare 1/2 tsp of Celery Salt.
It's tsp of 1/8 Garlic Powder.
You need tsp of 1/8 Black Pepper.
Prepare 15 oz of Tomato Sauce.
You need 2 tsp of Worcestershire.
Prepare 1 cup of Water.
It's 1 small of Canned Tomato Paste.

They are so-named because once cooked the rice sticks out of the meatball looking a bit like porcupine quills. Great meatballs that have rice in them, and are simmered in a tomato-Worcestershire sauce. Definitely a kid pleaser; these were my all time favorites as a kid, and are to my kids now! All you have to do is cook up a vegetable to go on the side and you have a complete meal.

Porcupine Meatballs instructions

Mix the ground beef, rice, 1/2 cup water, onion, salt, celery salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Roll the mixture into 12 meatballs..
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the meatballs. Cook meatballs, turning occasionally, until evenly browned. Drain and discard any excess grease. Pour the tomato sauce, 1 cup water, and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet; reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until the meatballs are no longer pink in the center and the rice is tender, about 45 minutes. Stir in more water if the sauce becomes too dry..
Add Tomato Paste to thicken.

Porcupine Meatballs originated during the Great Depression, when rice was affordable and readily available, but meat was pricey. By adding rice to a classic meatball recipe, home cooks could bulk up the meal and stretch a small amount of beef a little bit further. Porcupine Meatballs are a fun twist on a traditional meatball recipe. These tasty meatballs are made with ground beef, rice, onion and seasonings then baked in a rich tomato sauce. So zesty and delicious, and ready in only an hour!