Mom’s Vintage Recipe for Porcupine Meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground Beef (85%–93% lean; from butcher box or grocery store)
• 0.25 cup Long Grain Rice (uncooked, dry)
• 1 Egg (large, slightly beaten)
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (chopped, flat‑leaf preferred)
• 2 tablespoons Onion (finely chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table salt)
• 1 dash Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (canned, divided (1 tbsp in meat, 1 tbsp in broth))
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce (divided, adds umami)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 0.5 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium; can use water with bouillon)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for stovetop browning; optional if using oven)

Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients

   Finely chop the onion and parsley, and lightly beat the egg in a small bowl.

   Time: PT5M

2. Combine Meatball Mixture

   In the large mixing bowl combine ground beef, uncooked rice, beaten egg, chopped parsley, chopped onion, salt, pepper, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly with hands (wear gloves).

   Time: PT10M

3. Shape Meatballs

   Form the mixture into 16‑20 uniform balls, each about 35‑37 g (≈1½ inches in diameter). Place them on a plate.

   Time: PT5M

4. Preheat Oven

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 350°F

5. Arrange in Baking Dish and Add Broth Mixture

   Place the meatballs in the ovenproof baking dish. In a small bowl whisk together ½ cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp tomato paste, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Pour the mixture over the meatballs, covering the bottom of the dish.

   Time: PT5M

6. Bake Covered

   Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

   Time: PT45M

   Temperature: 350°F

7. Finish Uncovered

   Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is reached.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: 350°F

8. Rest and Serve

   Remove the dish from the oven, let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes, then serve with peas, green beans, salad, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

360

Protein

22g

Carbohydrates

11g

Fat

9g

Fiber

1.5g