Oven Porcupines
📜 Collection: Christine Collection | ✍️ Attribution: Unattributed | 📂 Category: Entrees A classic mid-century comfort food recipe featuring seasoned ground beef and rice meatballs baked in a savory tomato sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight family dinner.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Inactive / Chill Time | Yield / Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 1 hour | None | 4 servings |
🔪 Key Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
Meatballs
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 lb | Ground Beef | None |
| 1/2 cup | Minute Rice | None |
| 1/2 cup | Water | None |
| 1/3 cup | Onion | chopped |
| 1 tsp | Salt | None |
| 1/2 tsp | Celery Salt | None |
| 1/8 tsp | Garlic Powder | None |
| 1/8 tsp | Black Pepper | None |
Sauce
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (15 oz) can | Tomato Sauce | None |
| 1 cup | Water | None |
| 2 tsp | Worcestershire Sauce | None |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup minute rice, 1/2 cup water, 1/3 cup chopped onion, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp celery salt, 1/8 tsp garlic powder, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly and form into compact, uniform balls.
Step 2: Assemble and Bake
- Place the formed meatballs in a baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce, 1 cup water, and 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, then pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes longer, until the sauce is bubbling and thickened, and the rice in the meatballs has puffed up like porcupine quills.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: The meatballs can be shaped and placed in the baking dish up to 24 hours in advance. Keep covered in the refrigerator, then pour the sauce over them just before baking.
Original Recipe Scan
