Get ready to fall in love with this Easy Porcupine Meatballs Recipe in Tomato Sauce! Juicy meatballs packed with tender rice simmer away in a comforting, tangy tomato sauce for a dinner that feels like a warm hug from grandma’s kitchen. This nostalgic classic is made with simple pantry staples, yet the result is a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal your whole family will request again and again. Roll up your sleeves—let’s make dinner the easiest and most delicious part of your day!

Easy Porcupine Meatballs Recipe in Tomato Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Porcupine Meatballs Recipe in Tomato Sauce is how effortlessly the ingredients come together, creating layers of satisfying flavor and texture. Each component pulls its weight—whether it’s lending sweetness, savoriness, or that classic, old-school comfort we all crave.

Tomato Sauce (15 ounces): Use your favorite brand—the base that brings tang and richness to the dish.
Water (1 cup, divided): Helps to hydrate the rice inside the meatballs and also thins out the sauce for perfect simmering.
Light Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds a gentle sweetness that beautifully rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Worcestershire Sauce (2 teaspoons): Just a dash boosts umami and gives the sauce a savory backbone.
Uncooked Long-Grain White Rice (1/2 cup): The star of the show! The rice plumps up as it cooks, giving each meatball its signature “porcupine” look.
Chopped Onion (1/3 cup): For mellow sweetness and an extra note of flavor tucked inside every bite.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential seasoning that ties all flavors together.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle garlicky warmth; no need to mince garlic cloves tonight!
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A little kick for balance and depth.
Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Gives gentle smokiness and gorgeous color—totally worth it.
Lean Ground Beef (1 pound): The protein foundation; opt for lean so the dish remains light and not greasy.
Canola Oil (2 tablespoons): Ensures the meatballs stay juicy and tender as they bake.
Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Optional but highly recommended for a fresh pop of green right before serving.

How to Make Easy Porcupine Meatballs Recipe in Tomato Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Sauce

To get things started, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, half of the water, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. It’s important to whisk until the sugar dissolves so every spoonful of sauce ends up silky and nicely balanced. Just a couple of minutes here gives you a gorgeous, sweet-savory sauce base—set it aside for when the meatballs are ready for their bath!

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice with the remaining water, chopped onion, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika. Stir everything together so the rice starts to soak up some of the moisture and those spices are evenly distributed. This is the secret to flavorful and tender meatballs with the classic porcupine texture.

Step 3: Add Beef and Oil

Now, add the lean ground beef and the canola oil to your seasoned rice mixture. Use a spatula or your (clean!) hands to gently mix everything together. The oil ensures that your meatballs stay extra tender, while evenly mixed rice means each little ball puffs up with perfect texture. Take care not to overmix—you want everything just combined for juicy meatballs.

Step 4: Shape the Meatballs

Using a spoon or small scoop, measure about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture at a time. Gently roll each portion between your hands to form sturdy, round meatballs, and place them in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Space them about 1 inch apart so they cook evenly and there’s plenty of room for sauce to surround them.

Step 5: Add the Sauce and Bake

Pour your prepared tomato sauce mixture evenly over all the meatballs. Give the dish a gentle side-to-side shake to make sure the sauce seeps between those lovely little porcupines. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes—this trapped steam will plump up the rice and keep the meatballs juicy. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and return to the oven for another 30 to 35 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once everything’s bubbling and deeply aromatic, pull the dish out of the oven. If you want to make things fancy, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley right over the top for a touch of color and bright, herbal lift. Serve these beauties immediately for the full cozy comfort experience!

How to Serve Easy Porcupine Meatballs Recipe in Tomato Sauce

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is the perfect finishing touch. For even more flavor, try a dusting of grated Parmesan or a few crushed red pepper flakes if you like extra heat. The fresh garnish not only adds color but also a welcome burst of freshness to each comforting bite.

Side Dishes

This Easy Porcupine Meatballs Recipe in Tomato Sauce begs for something to mop up that gorgeous sauce! Classic mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or warm crusty bread make ideal partners. If you want something lighter, a tossed green salad with a zingy vinaigrette balances the richness of the meatballs perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling playful? Try tucking each meatball into a small roll for the ultimate meatball slider, or serve over zucchini noodles for a twist on tradition. Arrange a few meatballs in individual ramekins for a personalized, restaurant-style touch. However you present them, these meatballs are guaranteed to steal the show at any meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any of this Easy Porcupine Meatballs Recipe in Tomato Sauce left, let it cool to room temperature first. Transfer the meatballs and sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to mingle and develop, making leftovers even tastier the next day!

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the Easy Porcupine Meatballs Recipe in Tomato Sauce with excellent results. Let everything cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Label and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the meatballs and sauce in a covered baking dish and set in a 325 degree F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring every minute to make sure everything is heated evenly. Add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce if things seem dry, and garnish again for a fresh finish.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to soften. If you’d like to substitute, partially cook your brown rice first, or increase the bake time and check for tenderness before serving.

Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version of this Easy Porcupine Meatballs Recipe in Tomato Sauce; just be sure to use a little extra oil to keep things juicy and don’t overbake.

Do I need to cook the rice before making the meatballs?

No need at all! That’s the beauty of this recipe. The rice cooks right inside the meatballs as they bake, soaking up flavor from the sauce, and creating that fun “porcupine” look.

My sauce seems thick—can I add more liquid?

If you like a thinner consistency, feel free to add a splash of water or a little more tomato sauce before covering your meatballs for baking. The rice will absorb quite a bit of moisture, so extra sauce is never a bad idea!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, this Easy Porcupine Meatballs Recipe in Tomato Sauce is perfect for gluten-free diners.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that checks all the boxes—easy, comforting, and family-approved—this Easy Porcupine Meatballs Recipe in Tomato Sauce is exactly what you need. Whether for a cozy weeknight in or a nostalgic weekend meal, there’s nothing like bringing a beloved classic to your dinner table. Give it a try and savor every last bite!