Porcupine Meatballs | Meatballs With Rice Recipe

If you're looking for a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that the whole family will love, look no further than these Porcupine Meatballs! Tender meatballs filled with rice and simmered in a savory tomato sauce, these nostalgic delights are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Why You'll Love These Magnificent Meatballs

• Easy. Minimal ingredients and quick prep time make this a breeze for any cook.
• Hearty. Packed with ground beef and rice, these meatballs are filling and satisfying.
• Kid-Friendly. The fun look of rice “quills” makes them a hit with the little ones.
• Budget-Friendly. Affordable ingredients that stretch to feed a crowd.

Whether you’re serving these for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, Porcupine Meatballs are a flavorful, wholesome dish that’s easy on both your time and your wallet.

What Are Porcupine Meatballs?

Porcupine Meatballs get their name from the rice inside the meatballs that pokes out during cooking, giving them a spiky, "porcupine-like" appearance.

These meatballs combine ground beef, rice, and seasonings, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce until tender. The rice inside the meatballs cooks to perfection, making this dish unique and delicious!

Why Do My Porcupine Meatballs Fall Apart?

If your porcupine meatballs are falling apart, there are a few common reasons that could be causing the problem. Here are some tips to help you keep your meatballs intact:

• Not Enough Binder. Meatballs need a binder to hold them together. If you're not using enough egg, the mixture can fall apart. Typically, 1 egg per pound of ground meat is enough to act as a binder. You can also add breadcrumbs if you find your mixture too loose.
• Overmixing. Overmixing the meat can make the meatballs tough and more likely to fall apart during cooking. Be gentle when mixing the ingredients—just combine until everything is incorporated.
• Rice Not Properly Mixed. Since porcupine meatballs rely on uncooked rice to give them their signature look, it's essential that the rice is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. If there are uneven pockets of rice, the meatballs may break apart while cooking.

By keeping these tips in mind, your porcupine meatballs should stay intact and come out perfectly every time!

Ingredients You'll Need

• Ground Beef- Lean ground beef is perfect, but you can use a mixture of pork or turkey.
• White Rice- Uncooked long-grain white rice gives the meatballs their signature “quills.”
• Onion- Finely chopped for flavor.
• Egg- Helps bind the meatballs together.
• Garlic Powder- Adds a depth of flavor.
• Salt and Pepper- To taste.
• Tomato Sauce- A rich base for simmering the meatballs.
• Beef Broth- Adds extra flavor and keeps the meatballs moist.

How To Make Porcupine Meatballs

1. Prepare the Meatballs. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, but avoid overworking the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Form the Meatballs. Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. You should end up with about 12–16 meatballs, depending on the size.
3. Brown the Meatballs. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. This adds a delicious crust to the meatballs.
4. Simmer in Sauce. Once browned, add the tomato sauce and beef broth to the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 30–35 minutes. The rice inside the meatballs will cook and expand, creating the porcupine look.
5. Serve and Enjoy. Once the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips And Tricks

Making Porcupine Meatballs is straightforward, but a few tips can ensure you get the best results every time:

• Use Lean Ground Beef. This reduces the amount of grease in the pan and keeps your sauce from becoming too oily.
• Don’t Overmix. Overworking the meatball mixture can make them dense. Mix just until combined.
• Simmer, Don’t Boil. Keep the heat low to prevent the meatballs from falling apart during cooking.

Variations

These meatballs are incredibly versatile, so feel free to switch things up to suit your taste!

• Spicy- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicy tomato sauce for a bit of heat.
• Turkey- Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey to make a lighter version.
• Cheesy- Add a cube of mozzarella to the center of each meatball for a gooey surprise.

What To Eat With Porcupine Meatballs

These meatballs pair perfectly with a variety of sides:

• Mashed Potatoes- A classic choice to soak up the sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables- A healthy option to balance the hearty meatballs.
• Bread- Perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
• Rice or Pasta- Serve the meatballs over a bed of rice or pasta for a filling meal.

How Long Do They Last?

Porcupine Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat the meatballs in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Can You Freeze Them?

Yes! Porcupine Meatballs freeze beautifully. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a skillet with additional tomato sauce or broth if needed.

More Marvelous Meatball Recipes

• Taco Meatballs
• Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
• Swedish Meatballs
• Meatball Soup
• Cocktail Meatballs
• Butter Chicken Meatballs

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