What are Porcupine Meatballs made of?

Porcupine Meatballs are made from ground beef mixed with uncooked rice and seasonings. The rice grains stick out of the meatballs like quills, which is how the dish got its name. Typically, the meatballs are cooked in a tomato-based sauce, creating a flavorful and comforting meal that's easy to prepare.

Can I cook Porcupine Meatballs in a slow cooker?

Yes, Porcupine Meatballs can be made in a slow cooker. To do this, prepare the meatballs as usual and place them gently in a slow cooker with tomato sauce or soup. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld and the rice to fully cook without hardening.

How long do Porcupine Meatballs take to cook on the stove?

When cooked on the stove, Porcupine Meatballs typically take around 30 to 40 minutes. After shaping the meatballs, cook them in a simmering tomato sauce over low heat until the beef is fully cooked and the rice inside is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.

Is it safe to use uncooked rice in Porcupine Meatballs?

Yes, using uncooked rice in Porcupine Meatballs is safe as long as the meatballs are cooked thoroughly. The simmering cooking process in the tomato sauce allows the rice to soften and cook fully inside the meatballs. Undercooked meatballs can pose a health risk, so ensure an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is reached.

Can I freeze Porcupine Meatballs for later use?

Porcupine Meatballs freeze well. After cooking, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove over low heat until heated through, adding extra sauce if needed to prevent drying out.

Porcupine Meatballs Recipe With Easy Steps And Simple Ingredients

Name: Porcupine Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ pounds (about 680 grams) 80/20 ground beef; 1 egg, beaten; 1½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; ½ cup long grain uncooked white rice; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¾ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon sea salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; ⅓ cup water; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1 (28-ounce/793 grams) can tomato sauce; ½ cup chicken or beef stock; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 4 tablespoons salted butter; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon sea salt; Cooked pasta; Mashed potatoes or rice; Fresh flat leaf parsley or basil, minced

Description

🍖 Comforting meatballs with rice that cooks right inside, creating a unique texture and hearty meal
🥩 A family-friendly dinner that combines tender beef meatballs with a rich tomato sauce perfect over pasta or potatoes

Ingredients

Scale

1½ pounds (about 680 grams) 80/20 ground beef

1 egg, beaten

1½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

½ cup long grain uncooked white rice

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

¾ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon sea salt

¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

⅓ cup water

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 (28-ounce/793 grams) can tomato sauce

½ cup chicken or beef stock

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

4 tablespoons salted butter

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon sea salt

Cooked pasta

Mashed potatoes or rice

Fresh flat leaf parsley or basil, minced

Instructions

1-First, in a large bowl, combine 1½ pounds of ground beef, 1 beaten egg, 1½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, ½ cup uncooked rice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¾ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon sea salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ⅓ cup water. Mix thoroughly and shape into about 20 golf ball-sized meatballs.

2-Next, heat 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the meatballs in a single layer, about 1 inch apart, and brown them evenly on all sides for about 10 minutes. Transfer them to a plate and discard excess grease.

3-Then, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 can of tomato sauce, ½ cup chicken or beef stock, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 4 tablespoons salted butter, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon sea salt to the skillet. Stir everything together and return the meatballs, coating them well with the sauce.

4-After that, cover the skillet, lower the heat to low, and simmer for 45-50 minutes until the rice inside is tender. The total preparation time is about 15 minutes prep and 1 hour 5 minutes cooking, serving around 6 people.

5-For dietary tweaks, use plant-based meat for vegan options or gluten-free grains as needed. Finally, serve the meatballs family-style with options like cooked pasta or mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh herbs.

Notes

🍝 Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Meatballs can be frozen raw or cooked; freeze the sauce separately if preparing in advance.
🧈 The sauce is thinner than usual marinara and can be enriched with butter, which is optional.
🍚 Use long grain rice for even cooking as it simmers fully within the sauce. Avoid quick-cooking rice varieties.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (3-4 meatballs)
Calories: 431
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 1098 mg
Fat: 33 g
Carbohydrates: 23 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 51 mg

Keywords: Porcupine Meatballs, Easy Meatballs, Rice Meatballs, Ground Beef Recipe