Oven Porcupine Meatballs
Comforting meatballs filled with flavor from Italian seasoning and garlic, served with a savory sauce, perfect for family meals.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound lean ground beef Use lean ground beef for less grease.
- 1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice Adds texture and absorbs sauce.
- 1 large egg Binds ingredients together.
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped Adds moisture and flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Provides strong flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning Seasoning mix for flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances overall taste.
- to taste pepper Adds warmth.
Sauce
- 2 cans (14 ounce) tomato sauce Provides moisture and depth.
- 1 cup chicken broth Adds richness and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Adds umami character.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Enhances garlic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon (packed) brown sugar Balances acidity of tomatoes.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F, positioning the rack in the middle.
- Combine the meatball ingredients in a large prep bowl and mix until well incorporated.
- Shape approximately 20 meatballs that are about 1.5 inches in diameter and place them in a 9x13 baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the sauce ingredients until fully blended.
Cooking
- Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs in the baking dish.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for one hour.
- After an hour, check the rice for doneness; if it isn’t yet soft, return the dish to the oven.
Notes
These meatballs can be served over pasta or with bread and are great for leftovers. If you prefer more sauce, increase the amount of chicken broth, or add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.