Description
Classic Porcupine Meatballs are tender beef meatballs mixed with uncooked rice, simmered in savory tomato sauce until the rice expands like tiny quills. It’s an old-fashioned, one-pan comfort dish made from pantry staples—perfect for cozy weeknights and freezer-friendly meals.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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½ cup uncooked long-grain white rice
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 large egg
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2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried)
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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2 cups tomato sauce
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1 cup beef broth
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
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Shape into 12 evenly sized meatballs.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches until golden.
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In the same skillet or a clean pot, mix tomato sauce, broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
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Return meatballs to the sauce, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 35–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Don’t use instant or parboiled rice—long-grain white rice is best.
Browning is optional but adds flavor.
Freezes well: cool completely before freezing with sauce.
Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmered
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 395
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg