Description

A nostalgic comfort-food classic, these Porcupine Meatballs simmer in a rich tomato sauce while rice “quills” emerge during cooking, creating a tender, flavorful, and visually unique dish perfect for weeknights and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean)
1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice
1 medium onion, finely diced (divided)
3–4 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cans (28 oz each) diced tomatoes
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Dried oregano, basil, and paprika to taste

Instructions

Sauté half the diced onion and half the garlic in a Dutch oven until softened.
Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Simmer 5–7 minutes.
Mix ground beef, rice, remaining onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until just combined.
Form into 1.5–2 inch meatballs.
Place meatballs into simmering sauce, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
Cover and simmer 45–60 minutes until rice is tender and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free versions, use GF-certified Worcestershire sauce. For lighter meatballs, replace half the beef with turkey. These meatballs taste even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2–3 meatballs with sauce
Calories: 320
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: porcupine meatballs, comfort food, tomato meatballs, retro recipes, easy family dinner