Cozy & Flavorful Porcupine Meatballs Recipe for Family Dinners

Crafting succulent porcupine meatballs transforms an ordinary dinner into a nostalgic comfort meal.

Memories of childhood kitchens drift through my mind when considering this classic dish.

Soft rice-studded meat clusters promise warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

My grandmother’s recipe whispers generations of culinary wisdom across kitchen counters.

Simple ingredients combine with minimal effort to create something magical.

Fragrant herbs and lean ground beef blend seamlessly in this hearty preparation.

Lean in close and let me share a recipe that will spark joy at your next family gathering.

What Makes Porcupine Meatballs a Fun Favorite

• Create Meatballs Easily: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into delightful porcupine meatballs with minimal cooking skills required, perfect for beginners learning kitchen techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Packed with savory flavors and tender rice-studded meat, these meatballs deliver a hearty meal that satisfies both kids and adults at family dinners.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Streamline your cooking process by preparing and baking everything in a single oven-safe skillet, reducing kitchen cleanup and making meal preparation stress-free.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Adaptable to different side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or salad, these meatballs work great for casual weeknight meals or weekend gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredients That Go Into Porcupine Meatballs

• Ground Beef: A protein-rich base that provides the main structure and flavor of the meatballs.

• Egg: Helps bind the meatball ingredients together and adds richness.
• Onion: Provides a subtle sweet and aromatic flavor to the meat mixture.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note to the meatballs.

• Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: A combination of herbs and spices that create a well-rounded, savory flavor profile for the meatballs.
• Uncooked Rice: Adds texture and helps the meatballs hold their shape during cooking.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing the meatballs to create a golden-brown exterior.
• Tomato Puree, Ketchup: Create a rich, tangy sauce that coats and enhances the meatballs.

How to Make Porcupine Meatballs Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F, getting it ready for these mouthwatering meatballs.

Step 2: Create the Meatball Magic

• Ground beef
• Egg
• Diced onion
• Uncooked rice
• Fresh parsley
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Dive in with your hands and mix everything until beautifully combined.

Step 3: Shape Your Culinary Gems

Lovingly roll the mixture into 24 perfectly round meatballs, each about the size of a golf ball.

Step 4: Sear to Perfection

Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Gently place meatballs in the pan, creating a golden-brown crust by searing for 1–2 minutes on each side.

Step 5: Build the Savory Sauce

• Tomato puree
• Ketchup
• Remaining Italian seasoning
• Extra garlic powder
• Additional salt
• More black pepper

Coat the meatballs lovingly in this rich sauce.

Step 6: Bake to Deliciousness

Cover the skillet and slide it into the preheated oven. Let the meatballs bake for 50 minutes until the meat is fully cooked, rice is tender, and the sauce has transformed into a luscious, thick coating.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle some extra chopped parsley on top for a fresh finish. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips for Cooking Perfect Porcupine Meatballs

• Boost your Porcupine Meatballs with these helpful tips
• – Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create lighter, healthier meatballs that still pack amazing flavor.
• – Ensure uniform meatball size by using a small ice cream scoop or measuring spoon for consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
• – Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to prevent tough, dense meatballs – gently combine ingredients just until they hold together.
• – Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes after cooking to help them retain moisture and make serving easier without falling apart.
• – Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lower-fat or vegetarian version that maintains the dish's delicious texture and taste.

Flavor Options for Porcupine Meatballs

• Mediterranean Meatballs: Replace ground beef with lamb, add crumbled feta cheese, and season with oregano and mint for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Meatballs: Mix in diced jalapeños, replace tomato puree with salsa, and add cumin and chili powder for a zesty kick.
• Asian-Inspired Meatballs: Substitute ground beef with ground pork, incorporate grated ginger, green onions, and replace tomato sauce with a soy-based glaze.
• Vegetarian Rice Balls: Use plant-based ground meat alternative, add roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, and swap beef seasonings for herbaceous blend.

Pairings to Serve with Porcupine Meatballs

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, savory meatballs and cut through their hearty tomato sauce.
• Serve Alongside Creamy Polenta: Create a smooth, buttery polenta base that absorbs the delicious sauce and provides a velvety contrast to the meaty texture.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and add a fresh, zesty element to the meal.
• Recommend Crusty Garlic Bread: Bake a warm, golden baguette with garlic butter to help soak up the flavorful tomato sauce and add a delightful crunch to the plate.

How to Store and Reheat These Meatballs

• Refrigerate: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing.
• Freeze: Pack meatballs with sauce in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Microwave Reheating: Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place meatballs in a baking dish, add a splash of water or extra sauce.

Common Questions About Porcupine Meatballs

• Why are they called Porcupine Meatballs?

The rice grains poke out from the meatballs while cooking, making them look like a porcupine’s spiky exterior.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner protein alternative with similar cooking methods.

• Do I need to pre-cook the rice before making the meatballs?

No, the uncooked rice will cook perfectly inside the meatballs during the baking process, absorbing the sauce and becoming tender.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The mild seasonings and soft texture make these meatballs a great option for children who enjoy simple, comforting meals.

Hearty Porcupine Meatballs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 7 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting porcupine meatballs bring nostalgic flavors from midwestern kitchens, combining ground beef and rice into delightful, hearty spheres. Home cooks will find this classic dish simple to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy hungry family members around the dinner table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (80/20)

Binding Ingredients:

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) long-grain white rice (uncooked)

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1/2 small onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 (28-ounce/794 grams) can tomato puree
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) ketchup

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F, creating an ideal cooking atmosphere for the meatballs.
2. Combine ground beef with complementary ingredients including egg, onion, uncooked rice, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Utilize hands to thoroughly blend all ingredients, ensuring even distribution of seasonings throughout the meat mixture.
4. Craft uniform meatballs approximately 1 inch in diameter, maintaining consistent size for balanced cooking.
5. Select an oven-safe skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high heat to create a golden searing surface.
6. Carefully place meatballs into the hot skillet, rotating to achieve light browning on multiple sides, which develops rich exterior flavor.
7. Reduce cooking temperature to medium and introduce tomato puree, ketchup, remaining seasonings, additional salt, and pepper.
8. Gently coat meatballs with the sauce, ensuring each sphere is evenly dressed with the flavorful liquid.
9. Cover skillet with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to preheated oven for 50 minutes.
10. Verify doneness by confirming meatballs are fully cooked, rice has reached tender consistency, and sauce has thickened appropriately.
11. Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the surface for a vibrant, aromatic garnish before serving.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for healthier, leaner protein options that keep the recipe versatile.
• Cook rice beforehand to reduce overall cooking time and ensure grains are perfectly tender inside the meatballs.
• Use a small cookie scoop for uniform meatball sizes, which guarantees consistent cooking and professional-looking presentation.
• Freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag, allowing easy meal prep for future quick dinners.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 52 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg