Porcupine Meatballs
Assemble
1 lb. lean hamburger,
1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice (don't use brown),
1/2 cup milk,
1/2 a medium onion, finely chopped,
1 rib of celery, finely chopped,
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped,
1/8 tsp. pepper, 1 tsp. salt,
1 egg,
1 15 oz. can of tomato sauce,
2 cans stewed diced tomatoes (not drained),
1 cup water and 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce.
Gather additional seasonings if you like, such as oregano, basil, thyme, chili powder, fennel seed or Tabasco sauce.
Decide if you want to cook in the oven or on the stove.
You will need 2 tbsp. of vegetable oil if you plan to cook
on top of the stove.
Combine the hamburger, rice, milk, onion, celery, garlic, pepper, salt and egg in a medium bowl.
Add additional seasonings, if you are using them.
Mix very thoroughly.
Divide the mixture into quarters,
then make four meatballs from each quarter.
You will have 16 large meatballs.
Make the Sauce
Combine the tomato sauce, stewed diced tomatoes, water and Worcestershire sauce.
Add extra seasonings or ingredients as desired.
Besides the seasonings, you can also add some chopped onion and celery to the sauce if you choose.
Cook in the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees while you are preparing the meatballs and sauce.
Place the meatballs in an ungreased 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
Cover with foil and bake for about 45 minutes.
Uncover and bake 15 minutes longer to brown.
Cook on the Stove
If cooking on the stove, heat two tbsp. of salad oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Brown the meatballs over medium heat.
Handle the meatballs carefully to avoid breaking them.
Add the sauce and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 45 minutes.
Serve the Meatballs
Serve the meatballs and sauce as desired.
Many people put them on top of cooked rice,
but they also go well with mashed potatoes or noodles.
Add a green vegetable and some crusty bread for a delicious, filling meal.
Any leftover meatballs will make a fantastic meatball sandwich.