Creamy Onion Rice Meatballs
Experience a warm and savory dish that has been cherished for generations. These Creamy Onion Rice Meatballs are a delightful twist on the classic porcupine balls. Rather than the traditional tomato sauce, ground beef is combined with aromatic onions, fluffy rice, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce, resulting in tender meatballs that are bursting with flavor. Topped with a creamy mixture of celery soup, these meatballs are baked to perfection, creating a comforting dish that pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes and fresh green beans. A true family favorite that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 lb (raw)
Onion
1/2 cup (diced)
Black Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (ground)
Salt
1 teaspoon (table salt)
Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon (liquid)
Uncooked Rice
1/4 cup (raw)
Milk
1/4 cup (liquid)
Water
1/2 cup (liquid)
Cream of Celery Soup
10 3/4 ounces (canned)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onions, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and uncooked rice. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3
Shape the meat mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and arrange them in a single layer in a greased baking dish.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of celery soup, milk, and water until smooth.
5
Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the meatballs in the baking dish.
6
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 75 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the rice is tender.
7
Remove from oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your meal with mashed potatoes and a side of green beans for a complete comfort food experience!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Creamy Onion Rice Meatballs?
These are a savory twist on traditional porcupine balls made with ground beef, onions, and rice, but finished with a creamy celery soup sauce instead of tomato sauce.
What makes these meatballs different from porcupine balls?
While traditional porcupine balls use a tomato-based sauce, this recipe uses a creamy mixture of celery soup, milk, and water for a richer, savory flavor profile.
Should the rice be cooked or uncooked?
You should use uncooked rice. The rice cooks inside the meatballs during the 75-minute baking process by absorbing moisture from the meat and sauce.
What is the best type of rice to use?
Long-grain white rice is recommended as it holds its shape well and becomes tender within the specified baking time.
How long do the meatballs need to bake?
The meatballs should be baked for approximately 75 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to ensure the beef is cooked through and the rice is tender.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before placing the baking dish inside.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or ground pork, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly from the traditional beef version.
What size should the meatballs be?
For even cooking, shape the meat mixture into meatballs approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
Do I need to brown the meatballs before baking?
No, this recipe is designed to be easy; the meatballs are placed raw in the baking dish and cook thoroughly in the oven.
Why is the baking time so long?
The 75-minute bake time is necessary for the uncooked rice inside the meatballs to fully hydrate and become tender.
Can I use cream of mushroom soup instead?
Yes, cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup can be used as a substitute for cream of celery if you prefer those flavors.
How do I make the sauce?
Whisk together one 10 3/4 ounce can of cream of celery soup with 1/4 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of water until smooth.
Should the baking dish be covered?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap steam, which helps cook the rice and keeps the meatballs moist.
What side dishes go well with this meal?
Creamy mashed potatoes and fresh green beans are the perfect complements to this comfort food dish.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Can I use brown rice instead?
Brown rice takes significantly longer to cook than white rice. If using brown rice, you may need to increase the liquid and the baking time.
What is the purpose of Worcestershire sauce?
It adds a deep, savory umami flavor that enhances the beef and onions.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can shape the meatballs and mix the sauce ahead of time, but it is best to combine them just before baking to prevent the rice from getting mushy.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can these meatballs be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs in their sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What if the rice is still hard after 75 minutes?
If the rice is still firm, cover the dish tightly and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use a gluten-free cream of celery soup and a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
Can I add extra seasoning?
Absolutely. Garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh parsley can be added to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
How do I know the meatballs are fully cooked?
The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F and the rice is soft throughout.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook them on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, though the texture of the rice may be softer than the oven-baked version.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, lightly grease the baking dish to prevent the meatballs and sauce from sticking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two separate dishes, keeping the bake time roughly the same.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the mild, creamy sauce and tender texture of the meatballs make it a favorite for children.
What if I don't have milk?
You can substitute the milk with additional water or beef broth, though the sauce will be slightly less creamy.
Why let the dish sit after baking?
Resting for a few minutes allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to settle before serving.