Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Porcupine Meatballs are a cozy, old-school favorite made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The combination of tender beef, rice, and savory tomato sauce makes this dish satisfying and full of flavor. It’s an easy and wholesome meal that everyone in the family will love. Plus, it freezes well for future meals!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
Directions
1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are fully combined.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Shape the mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs.
3. Brown the Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning gently until all sides are golden. This step is optional but recommended to enhance the flavor of the meatballs.
4. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet or a separate pot, whisk together the tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer the Meatballs:
Return the browned meatballs to the sauce. Cover the skillet or pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the meatballs simmer for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The rice will cook inside the meatballs and begin to poke through, resembling “quills.”
6. Finish and Serve:
Once the rice is fully cooked and the meatballs are tender, remove from heat. Garnish with additional parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 35-40 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Add Vegetables: You can add chopped bell peppers, carrots, or celery to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Use Ground Turkey: For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover porcupine meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes exceptionally well. Just cool completely and freeze with the sauce for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant rice for this recipe?
No, avoid using instant or parboiled rice, as they cook too quickly and can affect the texture of the meatballs. Long-grain white rice is best.
2. Can I skip the browning step?
While browning the meatballs adds depth of flavor, it’s not required. You can skip it, but the meatballs may be a bit lighter in flavor.
3. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix and shape the meatballs ahead of time, then store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
4. How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The rice inside the meatballs should have expanded and the meatballs should be cooked through. You can check by cutting one in half to ensure there’s no pink.
5. Can I make this recipe without Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, you can omit the Worcestershire sauce, but it adds a depth of flavor. You could substitute it with a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for a similar umami flavor.
Conclusion
Porcupine Meatballs are a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender ground beef with flavorful tomato sauce and rice. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, and it can be customized to your taste. Whether served on its own or with a side of vegetables, these meatballs are sure to satisfy your family and become a regular on your dinner table!
Porcupine Meatballs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Browning, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Description
“Porcupine Meatballs are a classic, comforting dish featuring ground beef meatballs filled with rice, simmered in a savory tomato sauce. This easy, hearty meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, packed with flavor and nostalgia, and can be made ahead or frozen for future meals.”
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef
½ cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
Instructions
-
Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
-
Shape the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs.
-
Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning gently until golden on all sides (optional but recommended for flavor).
-
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet or separate pot, whisk together tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
-
Simmer the Meatballs: Return meatballs to the sauce, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice inside meatballs is cooked.
-
Finish and Serve: Once meatballs are cooked through and rice has expanded, remove from heat. Garnish with parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Add Vegetables: Add chopped bell peppers, carrots, or celery to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
Ground Turkey Option: Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.
