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Porcupine meatballs served with sauce and herbs on a wooden table

Porcupine Meatballs

These comforting and nostalgic Porcupine Meatballs are made with ground beef, rice, and a flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for filling your family's bellies and warming their hearts.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatball Mixture
  • 1 pound ground beef Adds richness; substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup cooked rice This gives the meatballs their iconic shape; use quinoa for a gluten-free choice.
  • 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped For added sweetness; shallots make a great substitute.
  • 1/4 cup bell pepper, finely chopped Adds color and flavor; feel free to mix with green, yellow, or red.
  • 1 each egg Binds the mixture together; a flaxseed meal can be used as a vegan substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor; adjust to taste, especially if the sauce is salty.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper A must for seasoning; smoked paprika is a delicious twist.
Sauce
  • 2 cups tomato sauce Creates a succulent sauce for the meatballs; marinara works perfectly too.
  • 1 cup water Helps to simmer the sauce and keep it moist; broth can enhance flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, onion, bell pepper, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form meatballs.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, combine the tomato sauce and water. Bring to a simmer.
  2. Carefully add the meatballs to the sauce and cover. Cook over medium heat for 25-30 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through.
  3. Serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the meatballs marinate in the sauce for a few hours before cooking. Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil to brighten the dish.