Ground beef porcupine meatballs are a delightful and unique addition to your culinary repertoire. These meatballs, studded with white rice and cooked in a rich tomato sauce, offer a combination of textures and flavors that are truly irresistible. In this article, we'll explore how to make these porcupine meatballs and also share tips on freezing this budget - friendly recipe for future weeknight meals.

Let's start with the ingredients. For the meatballs, you'll need ground beef, of course. The quality of the ground beef can greatly affect the taste of the final dish. Opt for a leaner ground beef if you prefer a healthier option, or a fattier one for a more succulent and juicy meatball. Along with the ground beef, you'll need white rice. The white rice not only adds a lovely texture to the meatballs but also helps to soak up the flavors of the tomato sauce. You'll also need breadcrumbs, which act as a binder for the meat and rice mixture. Eggs are another essential ingredient as they hold the meatball together during the cooking process.

To season the meatballs, you can use a variety of herbs and spices. Garlic powder is a must - have as it adds a savory depth to the meat. Onion powder also enhances the flavor, giving the meatballs a subtle oniony undertone. Salt and pepper are basic seasonings that should be adjusted according to your taste preferences. You might also want to add a bit of dried parsley for a pop of color and a fresh, earthy flavor.

Now, let's move on to the preparation process. First, cook the white rice according to the package instructions. Make sure it's fully cooked but still firm. While the rice is cooking, in a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and all the seasonings. Mix them well using your hands. Once the rice is cooked, let it cool slightly and then add it to the meat mixture. Combine everything thoroughly, making sure the rice is evenly distributed throughout the meat.

Next, form the meat mixture into meatballs. The size of the meatballs can vary depending on your preference. You can make them small, bite - sized meatballs for appetizers or larger ones for a main course. Roll the meatballs gently in your hands until they are smooth and round. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

For the tomato sauce, you can use a store - bought tomato sauce or make your own from scratch. If you're making it from scratch, start by heating some olive oil in a saucepan. Add chopped onions and garlic and sauté until they are translucent. Then, add canned tomatoes, either whole or crushed, along with some tomato paste. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 - 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.

Once the sauce is ready, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs on the baking sheet. Make sure each meatball is coated with the sauce. Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 - 35 minutes. After 30 - 35 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 - 15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and slightly caramelized on top.

One of the great things about porcupine meatballs is that they are a budget - friendly meal. Ground beef and white rice are relatively inexpensive ingredients, and you can make a large batch at once. And if you don't want to cook them all at once, you can freeze them for later. To freeze the meatballs, let them cool completely after cooking. Then, place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. Label the container with the date and the contents. You can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to have a quick and easy weeknight meal, simply take the frozen meatballs out of the freezer and place them in a saucepan. Add some tomato sauce and heat them over medium - low heat until they are heated through. You can serve the porcupine meatballs with a side of mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or some crusty bread. They are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

In conclusion, ground beef porcupine meatballs are a delicious and practical recipe. They are easy to make, budget - friendly, and can be frozen for future use. So, why not give this recipe a try and add a new and exciting dish to your weekly meal plan?