Best 7 Classic Porcupine Meatballs Recipes

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Indulge in the hearty and comforting goodness of Classic Porcupine Meatballs, a dish that combines two culinary delights into one sensational meal. These meatballs, crafted with a blend of ground beef, rice, and spices, are not only flavorful but also surprisingly easy to make. Each tender meatball is meticulously shaped and then simmered in a rich and tangy tomato sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Accompanying the meatballs are two delectable variations: Swedish Meatballs, featuring a creamy sauce infused with the essence of nutmeg and allspice, and Grape Jelly Meatballs, where the sweetness of grape jelly harmonizes perfectly with the savory meatballs. These recipes offer a versatile culinary journey, catering to diverse palates and preferences.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CLASSIC PORCUPINE MEATBALLS



Classic Porcupine Meatballs image

These might have a funny name, but porcupine meatballs are simply delicious beef meatballs made with white rice, slowly cooked in tomato sauce.

Provided by Tara Teaspoon

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h50m

Number Of Ingredients 21

½ cup long grain rice
½ cup hot water
1 lb lean Ground Beef, (I used 80/20)
½ cup finely diced yellow onion
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon dry parsley ((or 2 T. fresh parsley))
½ teaspoon black pepper
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
⅛ teaspoon cayenne ((optional))
1 can (15-oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15-oz) tomato sauce
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons water
½ cup finely diced yellow onion
1 clove garlic (minced)
¾ cup diced green pepper
1 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon celery seed
½ teaspoon kosher salt (SEE NOTE BELOW)
Flat leaf parsley for garnish, if desired

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, combine rice and hot water. Let sit for 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Heat oven to 375°F.
  • While rice soaks, in a large bowl combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, parsley, pepper, salt and cayenne. When rice has soaked 20 minutes add the rice and the water. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
  • Form mixture into 10 meatballs (they will be about ⅓ cup each). Place the meatballs in a 3-qt or 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Set aside while you make the sauce.
  • In a separate bowl combine diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir together the water and flour and add to tomatoes. Stir in onion, garlic, green pepper, and Worcestershire. Add the sugar, celery seed and salt.
  • Pour the tomato sauce around the meatballs and cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 1 hr, then remove the foil and bake until the tops are just browning, 20 to 25 minutes more.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 g, Calories 144 kcal, Carbohydrate 18 g, Protein 12 g, Fat 3 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Cholesterol 28 mg, Sodium 797 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 7 g

PORCUPINE MEATBALLS



Porcupine Meatballs image

These well-seasoned porcupine meatballs in a rich tomato sauce are one of my mom's best main dishes. I used to love this meal when I was growing up. I made it at home for our children, and now my daughters make it for their families. -Darlis Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h20m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 cup water
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Steps:

  • In a bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Add beef and mix well. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls. In a large skillet, brown meatballs in oil; drain. Combine tomato sauce, water, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce; pour over meatballs. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 421 calories, Fat 21g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 70mg cholesterol, Sodium 1317mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 24g protein.

CLASSIC PORCUPINE MEATBALLS



Classic Porcupine Meatballs image

Make and share this Classic Porcupine Meatballs recipe from Food.com.

Provided by ladyshell2005

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 25m

Yield 10-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 lbs ground beef
1 cup uncooked rice
2 tablespoons chopped onions
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans tomato soup
1 1/2 cups water

Steps:

  • Combine meat, rice, onion, salt and pepper; knead to mix.
  • Mix tomato soup and water in pressure cooker.
  • Form meat mixture into oblong balls; place in pressure cooker.
  • Cook at medium pressure setting for ten minutes.
  • Serve with salad and a vegetable.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 302.1, Fat 14.1, SaturatedFat 5.5, Cholesterol 61.7, Sodium 854.3, Carbohydrate 23.7, Fiber 1, Sugar 4.9, Protein 19.1

MELINDA'S PORCUPINE MEATBALLS



Melinda's Porcupine Meatballs image

This is, by far, the best recipe for porcupine meatballs I have ever had. This is a recipe that was given to my mom when she married back in 1970. The recipe also includes cooking directions for stovetop cooking or cooking in the oven. Hope you enjoy as much as our family does.

Provided by Melinda S.

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Meatball Recipes

Time 1h10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound ground beef
½ cup uncooked white rice
½ cup water
⅓ cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon celery salt
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup water, or more as needed
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Steps:

  • Mix the ground beef, rice, 1/2 cup water, onion, salt, celery salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Roll the mixture into 12 meatballs.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the meatballs. Cook meatballs, turning occasionally, until evenly browned. Drain and discard any excess grease. Pour the tomato sauce, 1 cup water, and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet; reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until the meatballs are no longer pink in the center and the rice is tender, about 45 minutes. Stir in more water if the sauce becomes too dry.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 319.1 calories, Carbohydrate 26.1 g, Cholesterol 68.8 mg, Fat 13.7 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 22.2 g, SaturatedFat 5.3 g, Sodium 1414.5 mg, Sugar 5.1 g

PORCUPINE MEATBALLS



Porcupine Meatballs image

Beef, raw rice, onion and Italian seasoning come together in this simple weeknight dinner of porcupine meatballs. Where'd the name come from? While the meatballs bake, the grains of rice pop out and look incredibly similar to porcupine quills. Simmer the meatballs in a quick homemade tomato sauce for a delicious, family-friendly dish.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h20m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound ground beef, preferably 80/20 (80 percent lean)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 small onion, finely diced
1/2 cup long-grain white rice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
One 28-ounce can tomato puree
1/4 cup ketchup

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Use your hands to mix the ground beef, egg, onion, rice, parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of the Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon of the garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper in a large bowl until well combined. Roll the meat mixture into 24 balls (each about 2 heaping tablespoons and 1 inch in diameter).
  • Heat the olive oil in a large, high-sided oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the meatballs and cook until lightly browned on all sides, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Reduce the heat to medium, then stir in the tomato puree, ketchup, remaining 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, remaining 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper until the sauce is combined and meatballs are well coated.
  • Cover with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the oven. Bake until the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink, the rice is tender and poking out and the sauce has reduced slightly, about 50 minutes. Carefully remove from the oven and top with more chopped parsley.

CLASSIC PORCUPINE MEATBALLS



Classic Porcupine Meatballs image

Porcupine meatballs, a mixture of beef and rice cooked in a tomato sauce, are an old-fashioned favorite, either oven-baked or simmered on the stove.

Provided by Diana Rattray

Categories     Entree     Dinner

Time 1h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
2/3 cup raw long-grain white rice
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon seasoned salt (or Cajun seasoning )
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Optional: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (if cooking on the stovetop)
For the Sauce:
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce (or two 8-ounce cans)
1 cup water
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Steps:

  • Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with the rice, water, chopped onion, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
  • Shape the ground beef mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls. Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to help make them uniform in size. (Or you can weigh them as you shape them.) Place them in an ungreased 2-quart shallow baking dish.
  • Make the sauce by mixing together the tomato sauce, water, and Worcestershire sauce in a measuring cup or bowl.
  • Now it's time to cook the meatballs. Continue reading for the oven method, or scroll down to the stovetop method.
  • Pour the sauce over the porcupine meatballs, cover the baking dish tightly with foil, and bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 55 minutes.
  • Uncover and bake the meatballs 15 to 20 minutes longer, until bubbling and cooked through. Serve and enjoy.
  • Add about 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to a large deep skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the shaped meatballs and cook, turning, until the meatballs are evenly browned. Drain and discard the drippings.
  • Add the tomato sauce ingredients to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Lower the heat and cover the pan. Continue cooking for about 45 minutes. Check occasionally and add water, if necessary. Serve and enjoy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 309 kcal, Carbohydrate 11 g, Cholesterol 101 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 34 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sodium 736 mg, Sugar 3 g, Fat 14 g, ServingSize 6 servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

JENNIFER'S PORCUPINE MEATBALLS



Jennifer's Porcupine Meatballs image

I've relied on this recipe for many years. The tomato sauce and brown sugar make a nice sweet sauce. Kids love these meatballs.

Provided by Jennifer

Categories     Rice

Time 1h20m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup water
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients.
  • Add the ground beef and mix well.
  • Shape meat mixture into 1- 1/2 inch balls.
  • Heat oil in large skillet.
  • Brown meatballs in oil.
  • After meatballs have browned, drain oil and fat.
  • In a medium size bowl, combine the tomato sauce, water, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce; pour over meatballs in skillet.
  • Reduce heat; cover skillet and simmer for 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 448.3, Fat 24.2, SaturatedFat 7.6, Cholesterol 77.1, Sodium 1251.8, Carbohydrate 32.9, Fiber 2.2, Sugar 12.1, Protein 24.3

Tips:

  • Choose the right meat. Ground beef is the most common meat used for porcupine meatballs, but you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
  • Use a variety of rice. White rice is the traditional choice, but you can also use brown rice, wild rice, or even quinoa.
  • Don't overcook the meatballs. They should be cooked through, but not so much that they're dry.
  • Use a flavorful sauce. The sauce is what really makes these meatballs special, so be sure to use one that you love.
  • Serve the meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. They're also great in sandwiches or wraps.

Conclusion:

Porcupine meatballs are a classic comfort food that are easy to make and loved by everyone. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious and hearty meal that your family will love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, give porcupine meatballs a try!

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