Beef Porcupines (Cajun Style)

This is one of my daughter's favorite meals. Most recipes for Beef Porcupines that I see on the internet are either made in a tomato sauce, or with sour cream. These are in a beef gravy. Mmmmm!

• Ready In: 44 mins
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 24 Porcupines

Ingredients

• 1  lb ground beef
• 1⁄2 cup orzo pasta, uncooked (or 1/2 cup spaghetti, broken into small pieces)
• 1⁄2 cup rice, uncooked
• 1  egg, beaten
• 1  small onion, finely diced
• 1  teaspoon garlic powder
• 1  teaspoon onion powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1  pinch salt
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  large onion, chopped
• 1  small bell pepper, chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 2 1⁄2 teaspoons  beef base
• 2 1⁄2 cups hot water, divided
• 1  tablespoon cornstarch
• 1⁄4 cup cold water
• 3⁄4 cup frozen green pea
• 1 (4 ounce) can  sliced mushrooms, drained
• 1⁄4 cup parsley, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup green onion, sliced

Directions

1. Mix first nine ingredients, well.
2. Shape into elongated meatballs.
3. In large skillet, brown meatballs on medium high heat.
4. Remove from pan. Drain all but one tablespoon of the fat.
5. Saute large onion, bell pepper, and garlic until onions are transparent.
6. Return meatballs to the pan.
7. Mix beef base and 2 - 1/2 cups hot water.
8. Slowly pour into skillet over meatballs.
9. Heat over high heat until liquid comes to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low. Cover. Cook for 25 minutes.
10. Dissolve cornstarch in 1/4 cup cold water.
11. Pour over meatballs. Stir.
12. Add peas, mushrooms, parsley, and green onion.
13. Cover and simmer for 4 minutes. Serve.