Description
These Porcupine Meatballs are juicy, tender meatballs made with rice that cooks directly in a rich tomato sauce for a cozy baked dinner.
Ingredients
- Meatballs
- 1/3 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs)
- 1/3 cup half and half
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- Sauce
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 bay leaf
- For serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prep all ingredients.
- Mix crushed crackers with half and half and let thicken.
- Add onion, garlic, Parmesan, egg, oregano, and basil. Mix well.
- Add ground beef and pork. Season with salt and pepper. Mix gently.
- Stir in uncooked rice and form meatballs.
- In an oven-safe pan, heat olive oil and cook garlic for 1 minute.
- Add tomato paste, then broth, diced tomatoes, marinara, brown sugar, Worcestershire, Dijon, and bay leaf. Simmer briefly.
- Add meatballs into sauce. Spoon sauce over them.
- Cover tightly and bake for 55 minutes.
- Remove, skim excess grease, garnish with parsley and Parmesan, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use uncooked long grain white rice only for best results.
- 80/20 beef keeps meatballs juicy during baking.
- Finely mince onions for better texture.
- Cover tightly so rice steams properly.
- Let rest a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Dinner
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American