Porcupine Meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 cup Organic Brown Rice (rinsed before cooking)
• 2 cups Water (for cooking rice)
• 1 tsp Salt (for rice)
• 1.5 tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into cubes)
• 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (90% lean, fresh)
• 0.33 cup Yellow Onion (finely chopped)
• 0.25 tsp Celery Salt (optional, adds subtle depth)
• 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder (ground)
• 0.5 cup Water (room temperature, added to meat mixture)
• 0.5 tsp Salt (for meatball seasoning)
• 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 cups Tomato Sauce (canned or jarred, plain)
• 2 tbsp Brown Sugar (packed)
• 1 tbsp Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
• 1 spray Nonstick Cooking Spray (to grease baking dish)
• 2 tbsp Shaved Parmesan Cheese (for topping, optional extra)
• 1 sheet Aluminum Foil (to cover baking dish)

Instructions

1. Cook Brown Rice

   Rinse 1 cup organic brown rice, then combine with 2 cups water, 1 tsp salt, and 1.5 tbsp unsalted butter in a saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil, cover tightly, and simmer for 20 minutes (gas stovetop) or 15 minutes (electric). Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

   Time: PT25M

2. Mix Meatball Ingredients

   In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb lean ground beef, 1/3 cup finely chopped yellow onion, 1/4 tsp celery salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 0.5 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup water. Stir with a spoon, then use clean hands to blend until just combined.

   Time: PT5M

3. Shape Meatballs

   Divide the mixture into 8‑10 equal portions. Roll each portion into a golf‑ball‑size sphere, ensuring the rice grains remain visible on the surface. Place the balls in a greased 13x9‑inch baking dish.

   Time: PT5M

4. Make Red Sauce

   In a saucepan, combine 2 cups tomato sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp soy sauce. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the sauce begins to simmer.

   Time: PT5M

5. Add Sauce and Cover

   Pour the hot sauce evenly over the meatballs in the baking dish. Tightly cover the dish with a sheet of aluminum foil.

   Time: PT2M

6. Preheat Oven

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 350°F

7. Bake Covered

   Place the foil‑covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.

   Time: PT40M

   Temperature: 350°F

8. Finish Baking

   Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Sprinkle shaved Parmesan during the last 5 minutes if desired.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: 350°F

9. Garnish & Serve

   Remove the dish from the oven, let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle any remaining shaved Parmesan. Serve over the remaining cooked brown rice or enjoy on their own.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

284

Protein

16g

Carbohydrates

30g

Fat

13g

Fiber

2g