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Healthy Porcupine Meatballs Recipe

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Servings: 20 –24 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

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