Cozy Porcupine Meatballs Recipe: A Family Favorite Comfort

Comforting and nostalgic, these classic porcupine meatballs with rice dance effortlessly between rustic charm and home-cooked satisfaction.

Ground beef mingles with uncooked rice, creating a delightful texture that sets these meatballs apart from traditional recipes.

Each bite promises a tender, flavorful experience that reminds you of grandmother’s kitchen.

The simple ingredients come together with minimal effort, making this dish a weeknight warrior.

Rich tomato sauce blankets the meatballs, infusing them with deep, savory notes.

Warm plates and hungry bellies await this timeless comfort food that transforms an ordinary dinner into a memorable meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients That Shape Porcupine Meatballs into a Hearty Favorite

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, meaty foundation with robust flavor; choose lean cut for healthier option.
• Rice: Adds texture and helps bind meatballs; use long-grain white rice for best results.
• Onion: Brings subtle sweetness and depth to meatball mixture; fresh onion works best.
• Garlic: Enhances overall savory profile with aromatic punch; fresh garlic cloves preferred.
• Egg: Acts as crucial binding agent to hold ingredients together smoothly.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste; freshly ground pepper recommended.
• Paprika: Optional spice that adds warm, slightly smoky undertone.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Creates smooth, tangy base for sauce; San Marzano tomatoes offer superior flavor.
• Stock: Provides liquid depth and additional savory complexity; homemade preferred.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces rich umami character; helps develop deep flavor profile.
• Sugar: Balances tomato acidity and rounds out sauce flavor.
• Oregano: Adds classic Italian herb note; dried or fresh both work well.

• Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, fresh finish to dish; adds visual appeal and light herbal note.
• Mashed Potatoes/Rice/Pasta: Serves as excellent complementary base for meatballs and sauce.

Tools You’ll Need for Cooking Porcupine Meatballs Just Right

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and mixing meatball ingredients thoroughly.
• Skillet or pot: Perfect for simmering meatballs in the flavorful tomato sauce.
• Plate: Used to hold meatballs after rolling them.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Needed for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and preventing meatballs from sticking.
• Cutting board: Helpful for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.

How to Make Porcupine Meatballs with Flavor in Every Bite

• Create Meaty Mixture

Blend ground beef with uncooked rice, chopped onions, minced garlic, and a cracked egg. Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix everything gently with your hands until ingredients are just combined.

• Shape Savory Spheres

Roll the meat mixture into golf ball-sized rounds. Make sure they’re compact and uniform to ensure even cooking.

• Build Tangy Sauce

In a large skillet, whisk together crushed tomatoes, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle in oregano for extra flavor. Bring the liquid to a gentle bubble over medium heat.

• Simmer and Cook

Nestle the meatballs carefully into the simmering sauce. Spoon sauce over the top to coat each ball. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let everything cook for 35-40 minutes until rice inside the meatballs becomes tender.

• Plate and Serve

Ladle the saucy meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or your favorite pasta. Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish if you like.

Swaps and Enhancements for Porcupine Meatballs Recipes

• Perfect Rice Texture: Use long-grain white rice for the best meatball consistency, ensuring the rice grains stay slightly separate and don't turn mushy during cooking.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the meatballs and sauce up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving for maximum flavor development.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular Worcestershire sauce with a gluten-free version and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or additional rice as a binding agent for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Protein Alternatives: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute to create lighter or vegetarian versions of the classic porcupine meatballs.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or hot sauce to the sauce for those who enjoy a spicier kick, transforming the dish from mild to wild with just a few extra ingredients.

Serving Ideas That Pair Well with Porcupine Meatballs

• Comfort Plating Paradise: Nestle these savory meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes for a classic, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Pasta Party Perfection: Toss the meatballs and their rich tomato sauce over al dente spaghetti or linguine for a crowd-pleasing Italian-inspired dinner.
• Fresh Green Sidekick: Pair the dish with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the meatballs and add a refreshing contrast.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Serve with crusty garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious tomato sauce, ensuring not a drop goes to waste.

Smart Ways to Store and Reheat Porcupine Meatballs

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing Friendly Method: Package cooled meatballs in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, lasting up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm meatballs gently in a covered skillet with a splash of extra sauce, stirring occasionally to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Batch Preparation Hack: Double the recipe and separate portions before cooking, allowing convenient meal prep for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.

Hearty Porcupine Meatballs Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty porcupine meatballs combine ground beef and rice in a comforting classic dish from the Midwest. Savory tomato sauce complements the tender meat mixture you’ll love to serve for family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (500 g) ground beef (or pork/beef mix)
• ½ cup uncooked white rice
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (14 oz/400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 ½ cups beef or chicken stock
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• ½ tsp dried oregano or thyme
• ¼ tsp salt (to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Combine ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, egg, and seasonings in a mixing bowl. Gently blend ingredients using fingertips to maintain meat’s delicate texture.
2. Forming: Shape mixture into uniform meatballs, roughly golf ball-sized, and arrange on a clean surface.
3. Sauce Creation: Whisk crushed tomatoes, stock, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, oregano, and seasonings in a wide cooking pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, creating a flavorful liquid base.
4. Cooking: Carefully submerge meatballs into the bubbling sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Reduce heat to low, cover pan, and allow ingredients to meld together.
5. Simmering: Rotate meatballs occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for 35-40 minutes until rice inside becomes tender and meat reaches complete doneness.
6. Serving: Transfer meatballs to a serving platter accompanied by mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch and added flavor complexity.

Notes

• Gentle Meat Mixing: Avoid overworking the ground beef mixture to prevent tough, dense meatballs. Use light fingertips and mix just until ingredients combine.
• Uniform Size Matters: Roll meatballs consistently to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming overdone while others remain undercooked.
• Low and Slow Cooking: Maintain a gentle simmer to keep meatballs tender and prevent them from becoming dry or rubbery during the cooking process.
• Sauce Coating Technique: Ensure each meatball is fully submerged in sauce to lock in moisture and enhance flavor absorption during simmering.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg