Okay, picture this: it’s a chilly Sunday afternoon, the scent of simmering tomatoes fills the air, and everyone’s gathered around the table, eagerly awaiting a hearty, comforting meal. That’s the magic of Grandma’s Porcupine Meatballs Recipe. Forget your average spaghetti and meatballs; these are next-level delicious! They’re tender, flavorful, and have this wonderful texture from the rice that makes them just so special. Think of them as a deconstructed rice casserole, but in meatball form. It’s a dish that always brings back fond memories, and I’m so excited to finally share it with you!
What are Porcupine Meatballs?
Porcupine meatballs, at their heart, are a simple dish with a playful name. It’s essentially seasoned ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix!) combined with rice, then simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. The “porcupine” effect comes from the rice poking out from the meatballs during cooking, resembling the quills of a porcupine. Think of it as comfort food 2.0! It’s a one-pot wonder that’s been warming hearts (and bellies) for generations. I remember being completely fascinated by them as a kid – they seemed so much more exciting than regular meatballs!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin? The flavor of these Porcupine Meatballs is just incredible. You’ve got the savory richness of the meat, the slight chewiness of the rice, and the bright, tangy sweetness of the tomato sauce all coming together in perfect harmony. But beyond the amazing taste, what I really love about this recipe is how easy it is. It’s truly a dump-and-simmer situation, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
Plus, this recipe is incredibly cost-effective. Ground meat and rice are pantry staples, and a can of diced tomatoes is always within reach. It’s a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
And talk about versatile! You can serve these porcupine meatballs over mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience, alongside egg noodles for a classic pairing, or even on their own as a satisfying appetizer. They’re similar in ease to a good chili recipe, but with a completely different flavor profile. What I love most about this is, they are the kind of food that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, like a big hug in a bowl. My kids ask for this constantly, and I’m never disappointed to make it.
How do I make Porcupine Meatballs?
Quick Overview
Making porcupine meatballs is easier than you think! You’ll basically mix ground meat with rice, seasonings, and an egg, form them into balls, and then simmer them in a tomato-based sauce. The beauty of this method is that the rice cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all those delicious flavors. The best part? Minimal cleanup! This is a truly simple recipe that anyone can master, even if you’re a complete beginner in the kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
* 1 pound GROUND BEEF (I prefer 80/20 for flavor) * 2 cups uncooked long grain rice (rinsed! ) * 1 large egg, lightly beaten* 12 cup finely chopped onion * 2 teaspoons garlic powder * 3 teaspoon pepper powder. Salt * 12 teaspoon black pepper * 1/4 teaspoon salt * 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
For the Sauce:
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar (optional, but I love it!)
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper
What are the steps to
Step 1: Combine Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, rice (make sure it’s rinsed – this helps prevent bacterial infection). ), egg, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t overmix! I always use my hands for this step. I can’t eat meatballs without overmixing. How do I ensure that everything is evenly distributed?
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Roll the meat mixture into approximately 1-inch meatballs. I find that a small Ice Cream scoop helps to keep them uniform in size. The more uniform, the more even they cook!
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Brown Sugar, salt, pepper, and pepper. Serve immediately. What are the ingredients for oregano, basil, salt, pepper and pepper? Stir well to combine. I always taste the sauce at this point and adjust the seasonings to my liking. Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some kick!
Step 4: Simmer the Meatballs
Gently place the meatballs into the sauce, making sure they are submerged. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes. When the rice is cooked and the meatballs are cooked through, cook for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. I always do this when I know the sauce might be getting too thick.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the porcupine meatballs hot over your favorite side, such as mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or a side salad. I like to add a dollop of sour cream on top sometimes too!
What is the best way to serve it?
What are porcupine meatballs?For a Classic Comfort Meal:What are the best potatoes to serve with tomato sauce? What are some good side salads to serve with steamed green beans?What is a hearty Pasta Dinner?Egg noodles or spaghetti are a great option. What are some good ways to serve meatballs with sauce?For a Lighter Option:Serve meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice. Brown rice or quinoa would also work well for a healthier twist. Add roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, for a balanced meal.For a potluck or party:What are the best meatballs to serve on their own? Serve them in a slow cooker and set out toothpicks for easy snacking. My family’s Thanksgiving always has something similar to this!
What are some tips for perfecting Porcupine Meatballs?
What are some tricks to make porcupine meatballs?Don’t overmix meatball mixture. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients until just combined.
How do you rinse rice?How do you remove starch from meatballs? How do you prevent meatballs from becoming sticky?Use Quality Ingredients:How do you choose the ingredients for meatballs? I always use ground beef and canned tomatoes.Don’t skip brown sugar: Why?Brown sugar adds sweetness to the sauce that really enhances the overall flavor.Seasonings: Adjust the seasoning to your liking.Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar.Simmer, Don’t BoilSimmering the meatballs gently in the sauce allows them to cook evenly and prevents them from sticking. Is becoming tough? I learned this one the hard way!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
What are porcupine meatballs?Room Temperature:I wouldn’t leave meatballs at room temperature for more than two hours.Refrigerator Storage: Allow the meatballs to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs. Place the cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat them in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – Grandma’s secret recipe for unforgettable porcupine meatballs! This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a taste of nostalgia, a symbol of family gatherings, and a reminder of the simple pleasures in life. What makes it so special is the simplicity and the comfort it brings. It’s the kind of dish you can always count on to put a smile on everyone’s face. If you love this one, I can also recommend my chicken and dumpling casserole as well! If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!
Porcupine Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1 cup Uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 cup Tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Place the meatballs in a baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the rice is tender.
