Porcupine Meatballs are a comforting and satisfying dish made with juicy ground beef, rice, and a rich tomato sauce. These unique meatballs get their name from the way the rice pokes out during cooking, resembling tiny porcupine quills. The blend of savory beef, tender rice, and tangy tomato sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors. Whether served over mashed potatoes, pasta, or with crusty bread, this dish is an easy and delicious family favorite!

Cooking Time ⏳

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6

My Cooking Experience 👩‍🍳

With over 4-5 years of cooking experience, I’ve found that the key to the best Porcupine Meatballs is using the right amount of rice for that perfect texture. Letting them simmer in a rich tomato sauce ensures they stay juicy and flavorful. Every time I make this dish, it’s a guaranteed hit at the dinner table!

Ingredients 🛒

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef
½ cup uncooked white rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
1 egg
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

For the Tomato Sauce:

1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 cup beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder

Instructions 🍽️

1. Prepare the Meatballs 🍖

In a large bowl, mix ground beef, uncooked rice, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, egg, and Worcestershire sauce. Shape into 1 ½-inch meatballs and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce 🍅

In a large skillet or pot, combine tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

3. Cook the Meatballs 🔥

Gently place the meatballs into the sauce, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and simmer over low heat for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and the rice is tender.

4. Serve and Enjoy 🍽️

Carefully remove the meatballs from the sauce and serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or alongside bread. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Variations 🔄

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Cheesy Version: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top.
Turkey Option: Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
Slow Cooker Method: Cook on low for 4-5 hours for an easy hands-off approach.

Equipment You’ll Need 🔪

Large mixing bowl
Large skillet or pot with a lid
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

Why You’ll Love It ❤️

✔️ Comfort food at its best 🥄
✔️ Easy one-pan meal 🍳
✔️ Juicy and flavorful meatballs 🥩
✔️ Great for meal prep and leftovers 🥡

Nutritional Information 📊

Calories: ~350 per serving
Protein: 22g
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 15g

Storage Tips ❄️

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat or microwave until heated through.

Conclusion 🏁

Porcupine Meatballs are a classic comfort dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, they’re always a hit. Try this recipe today and enjoy every hearty bite! 🍽️✨

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