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Porcupine Meatballs

Porcupine meatballs are tender, cozy bites made with beef and rice, simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. A perfect dish for sharing with family or friends.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 500 g beef mince Can substitute with ground turkey or pork
  • 1 medium carrot, grated
  • 1 medium zucchini, grated
  • 1/2 cup long grain white rice Use uncooked rice for best results
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 medium brown onion, finely chopped Divide between meatballs and sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed Divide between meatballs and sauce
For the Sauce
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 420 g can condensed tomato soup
  • 1.5 cups water For thinning the sauce
To Serve
  • To taste mashed potato For serving
  • To taste finely grated parmesan For serving
  • To taste small fresh basil leaves For garnish

Method
 

Preparation of Meatballs
  1. Place mince, carrot, zucchini, rice, egg, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and half the chopped onion and garlic in a large bowl. Mix well.
  2. Using 2 level tablespoons of mixture at a time, roll mixture into balls.
Cooking the Meatballs
  1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add remaining onion and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until softened.
  2. Add remaining garlic and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the tomato soup and 1.5 cups of water, bringing it to a boil.
  4. Carefully drop meatballs into the sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
  5. Uncover and simmer for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until rice is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Serving
  1. Serve the porcupine meatball mixture over a bed of mashed potatoes, sprinkled with parmesan and basil.

Notes

Cool the dish to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.