If you’ve never treated yourself to the nostalgic delight of Porcupine Meatballs, you’re in for a heartwarming culinary experience! This timeless recipe offers a comforting twist on traditional meatballs by incorporating uncooked rice that, while cooking, gives the meatballs a hedgehog-like look. Deliciously savory with a hint of tang from the tomato sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy get-togethers with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Kid-Friendly: The charming appearance of the rice ‘spikes’ ensures that even the pickiest eaters are intrigued!
Rich in Flavor: A medley of garlic, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce harmonizes to create a savory masterpiece.
Versatile Serving Options: From pasta to mashed potatoes, this dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
Easy to Prepare: With a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a gourmet meal ready to impress!

Porcupine Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Porcupine Meatballs lies in its blend of straightforward yet essential ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the table. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish.

80/20 Ground Beef: Provides just the right amount of fat for juicy meatballs.
Long Grain Uncooked White Rice: An old-fashioned twist that gives the dish its fun, porcupine look.
Tomato Sauce: The base for a rich, tangy sauce that coats the meatballs perfectly.
Italian Seasoning: A fragrant herbal mix that infuses each bite with robust aromas.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami to both the meatballs and the sauce.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Porcupine Meatballs! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tweak according to your taste buds, available ingredients, or dietary needs.

Turkey or Chicken: Swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
Cheesy Surprise: Insert a cube of mozzarella into each meatball for a gooey center.

How to Make Porcupine Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Combine the beef, egg, Worcestershire, rice, garlic, and seasonings in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, each one a delightful little package ready for cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

In a large nonstick skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high until it shimmers. Arrange meatballs in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t crowded, and cook until they are browned all over, about 10 minutes. This browning step is crucial for sealing in the flavors and providing a lovely crust.

Step 3: Simmer in Sauce

In the same skillet, whip up a sauce by combining the tomato sauce, stock, butter, and seasonings. Gently nestle the meatballs into this savory bath, cover, and let them simmer on low until the rice is tender. This slow-cooking allows all the flavors to meld delightfully.

Pro Tips for Making Porcupine Meatballs

Rice Selection: Use long-grain rice for the best texture, as it holds its structure when cooked in meatballs.
Uniform Sizing: Ensure meatballs are the same size for even cooking, helping to lock the flavors in each bite.
Simmer Slowly: Patience is key; simmering the sauce gently allows the meatballs to tenderize and soak up flavors.
Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it reduce uncovered for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve Porcupine Meatballs

Garnishes

The right garnishes can elevate your Porcupine Meatballs from delicious to extraordinary. Consider sprinkling freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley or basil over the top to add a burst of color and fragrance, enhancing the dish’s visual and aromatic appeal.

Side Dishes

This versatile dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it with a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes for comfort, some fragrant jasmine rice for a classic presentation, or nestle it over al dente pasta for that charming Italian vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative with your presentation by stacking the meatballs in a deep dish bowl, allowing the sauce to pool around enticingly. Alternatively, use a flat wide platter to arrange them in a circle surrounding a mound of pasta. Use fresh herbs for a pop of color and texture that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftovers, let the Porcupine Meatballs cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. These can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days, ready for a quick reheat when hunger calls.

Freezing

You can freeze Porcupine Meatballs for longer storage. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. This method ensures you can grab just the amount you need for future meals. They’ll keep well for up to three months.

Reheating

Gently reheat your meatballs by simmering them in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave on medium power in short bursts to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use minute rice instead of long grain rice?

It’s best to use long grain rice for this recipe, as minute rice cooks too quickly and can become mushy, losing the distinctive porcupine texture.
What can I use as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, a blend of soy sauce with a splash of vinegar can provide a similar umami boost.
How can I make the dish gluten-free?

For a gluten-free option, ensure your Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning are gluten-free, and serve with gluten-free pasta or rice.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day ahead and refrigerate. Simply reheat gently on the stove before serving.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try these Porcupine Meatballs as I am to share them with you. This dish brings a warm, comforting touch to any mealtime, inviting everyone to gather around and enjoy its delicious simplicity. Happy cooking!

Porcupine Meatballs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 78 reviews

Author: Jaden
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Porcupine Meatballs are a hearty, comforting dish featuring seasoned meatballs stuffed with tender rice, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This classic family favorite combines flavorful ingredients to create a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Meatballs

1 1/2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup long grain uncooked white rice
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Sauce

1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 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

For serving (optional)

Cooked pasta
Mashed potatoes
Cooked rice
Fresh flat leaf parsley or basil, minced

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Instructions

Make the meatballs. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, uncooked rice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and water. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Form the mixture into golf ball–size meatballs, about 2 tablespoons each, totaling approximately 20 meatballs. Place them on a plate for ready to cook.
Brown the meatballs. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer with about 1 inch of space between each. Cook until browned all over, approximately 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and discard excess grease.
Prepare the sauce. Return the skillet to medium heat and add the tomato sauce, chicken or beef stock, Italian seasoning, butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and salt. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Add the meatballs to the sauce, turning them to coat evenly. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 45–50 minutes or until the rice inside the meatballs is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Serve the dish. Once cooked, serve the porcupine meatballs family-style over your choice of pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. Garnish with freshly minced parsley or basil for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

Ensure the rice is uncooked before adding to the meat mixture for tender results.
Use a nonstick skillet to prevent the meatballs from sticking and to facilitate easy browning.
Adjust the simmering time if you prefer softer or firmer rice inside the meatballs.
For a richer sauce, increase the amount of butter or add a splash of cream before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of dish (approximate)
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 950 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 23 g
Cholesterol: 100 mg