Tasty Porcupine Meatballs Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Savory porcupine meatballs bring a nostalgic twist to classic comfort food that’ll make you smile.

Memories of childhood dinners dance through this hearty recipe.

Tender ground beef mingles with uncooked rice, creating magical little spheres packed with flavor.

Pantry staples combine effortlessly to craft these delightful morsels.

Unexpected texture from rice kernels peeking through the meat gives these meatballs their signature look.

Simmering in a rich tomato sauce, they promise a meal that warms both stomach and soul.

Let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying culinary adventure that guarantees clean plates and happy faces.

Why Porcupine Meatballs Are a Retro Dinner Win

• Master Comfort Cooking: These meatballs deliver classic home-style goodness with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for beginners wanting a satisfying meal.
• Smart Ingredient Fusion: Rice blended directly into the meat creates hearty, tender meatballs that stretch your protein and add delightful texture without extra steps.
• Family Meal Champion: A one-skillet wonder that pleases everyone from kids to adults, offering a complete protein-packed dinner with simple, familiar flavors that bring everyone together.
• Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Simmer the meatballs in a rich sauce with zero complicated techniques, letting the pan do most of the work while you relax or prepare side dishes.

Ingredients That Make Porcupine Meatballs Unique

• Ground Beef: Provides the primary protein and rich flavor for the meatballs.
• Rice: Adds texture and helps bind the meatballs together.

• Egg: Serves as a crucial binder to hold the meatball mixture together.
• Onion: Contributes subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the meatballs.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall taste of the meatballs.
• Tomato Sauce, Water, Worcestershire Sauce: Create a flavorful liquid base for simmering and adding moisture to the meatballs.

How to Make Classic Porcupine Meatballs

Step 1: Blend Meat Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef with uncooked rice, finely chopped onion, a cracked egg, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients until they are evenly distributed and hold together well.

Step 2: Form Perfect Spheres

Gently roll the meat mixture into uniform round balls, each about the size of a golf ball. Ensure the meatballs are compact and smooth to prevent them from falling apart during cooking.

Step 3: Prepare Simmering Sauce

In a large skillet, whisk together tangy tomato sauce, water, and Worcestershire sauce. Heat the liquid mixture over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld and create a rich, savory base for the meatballs.

Step 4: Cook Meatballs Slowly

Carefully place the formed meatballs into the simmering sauce. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low.

Let the meatballs cook slowly, turning them gently every 10-15 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

After 45 minutes, check that the meatballs are fully cooked through and tender.

The rice inside will be soft and fluffy. Transfer the meatballs to a serving platter and generously spoon the extra sauce over the top for maximum flavor.

Tips for Juicy, Flavor-Packed Porcupine Meatballs

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Add grated carrots or zucchini to the meat mixture for extra nutrition and moisture.
• Ensure meatballs are similar in size for even cooking and consistent texture.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
• Test doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.

Creative Twists on Porcupine Meatballs You’ll Want to Try

• Spicy Mexican Meatballs: Replace ground beef with ground turkey and add chili powder, cumin, and diced jalapeños for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs: Swap beef for ground lamb, mix in feta cheese, oregano, and mint, then serve with tzatziki sauce.
• Herb-Infused Chicken Meatballs: Use ground chicken, incorporate fresh parsley, basil, and thyme, and pair with a light marinara sauce.
• Asian-Inspired Pork Meatballs: Substitute beef with ground pork, mix in ginger, garlic, and green onions, then glaze with a sweet soy sauce.

What Goes Great with Porcupine Meatballs

• Complement Hearty Tomato Sauce: Pair these rich porcupine meatballs with a crisp green salad featuring tangy vinaigrette to balance the savory meat flavors.
• Enhance Wine Selection: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot, which cuts through the tomato sauce's acidity and complements the beef's robust taste.
• Match Comforting Sides: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and create a satisfying meal experience.
• Perfect Bread Pairing: Select a crusty Italian bread or garlic bread to help mop up extra sauce and add delightful textural contrast to the tender meatballs.

How to Keep Porcupine Meatballs Fresh and Tasty

• Refrigerate: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled meatballs and sauce to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring no air pockets remain.
• Microwave Reheat: Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Stovetop Reheat: Warm meatballs in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying.

All Your Porcupine Meatball Questions, Answered

• What are Porcupine Meatballs?

Porcupine Meatballs are classic comfort food featuring ground beef mixed with uncooked rice, which creates a unique texture where rice grains peek out like “porcupine quills” after cooking.

• Why use uncooked rice in the meatballs?

Uncooked rice expands during cooking, creating a tender, textured meatball that absorbs flavors from the sauce while providing a natural binding agent without breadcrumbs.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a mixture of meats to create your preferred flavor and nutrition profile.

Homey Porcupine Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Polish porcupine meatballs blend ground beef, rice, and savory seasonings into a comforting classic. Simmered in tomato sauce, these delightful spheres offer a nostalgic taste of home-cooked warmth you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Grains and Binding:

• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 egg

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water

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Instructions

1. Blend ground beef, rice, diced onion, egg, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
2. Craft uniform spherical meatballs approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
3. Warm a large skillet and combine tomato sauce, water, and Worcestershire sauce over medium heat, creating a savory liquid base.
4. Gently nestle meatballs into the simmering sauce, ensuring they are partially submerged.
5. Cover the skillet and reduce heat, allowing meatballs to cook slowly for 45 minutes, occasionally rotating them to promote even cooking and prevent sticking.
6. Once meatballs are cooked through and rice is tender, remove from heat and let rest for 3-5 minutes.
7. Transfer meatballs to serving plates and generously ladle additional warm sauce over the top for enhanced flavor and moisture.

Notes

• Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice to make the dish gluten-free and lower in carbohydrates.
• Add finely chopped bell peppers or grated carrots to boost vegetable content and enhance nutritional value.
• Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter protein option with reduced fat content.
• Create a spicier version by incorporating red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce into the tomato sauce mixture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg