Best 9 Grandmas Porcupine Meatballs Recipes

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Tantalize your taste buds with Grandma's Porcupine Meatballs, a delectable dish that combines the hearty flavors of ground beef, rice, and a savory sauce. These meatballs are not just any ordinary meatballs; they're packed with tender rice that bursts with flavor in every bite. Simmered in a rich tomato sauce, these meatballs become infused with a delightful tanginess that perfectly complements the savory beef and fluffy rice.

This recipe article provides two variations of Grandma's Porcupine Meatballs: the classic version and a slow cooker adaptation. The classic version offers a hands-on approach, allowing you to witness the magic of meatballs coming together and simmering on the stovetop. With detailed instructions and step-by-step guidance, you'll create tender meatballs that are cooked to perfection.

For those who prefer a hassle-free cooking experience, the slow cooker variation is your ideal choice. Simply combine the ingredients, let your slow cooker do the work, and come home to a comforting meal that's ready to be devoured. This recipe also includes a vegetarian alternative, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these delicious meatballs, regardless of their dietary preferences.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, Grandma's Porcupine Meatballs are a must-try dish. With their easy-to-follow instructions, detailed ingredient lists, and helpful cooking tips, these recipes will guide you towards creating a flavorful and satisfying meal that's sure to become a family favorite.

Let's cook with our recipes!

PORCUPINE MEATBALLS



Porcupine Meatballs image

Hearty and well seasoned meatballs with rice that simmer in a rich tomato sauce. This is a family recipe passed down from my grandma and I know that your family will love it too!

Provided by Alyssa Rivers

Categories     Dinner     Main Course

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 Pound Ground Beef
1/4 cup long grain rice (uncooked)
1 egg (slightly beaten)
1 tablespoon parsley (chopped)
1/4 cup onion (finely chopped)
1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon McCormick® paprika
1/8 teaspoon McCormick® Pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can condensed tomato soup (10 3/4 oz, divided)
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Steps:

  • In a medium sized bowl combine meat, rice, egg, parsley, onion, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, salt and 1/4 cup tomato soup. Mix thoroughly and shape into about 20 meatballs and place in a skillet.
  • Mix remaining soup, water and worchestershire sauce. Pour over meatballs. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Cover and simmer for about 35-40 minutes stirring often.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 269 kcal, Carbohydrate 15 g, Protein 15 g, Fat 16 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Cholesterol 81 mg, Sodium 461 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 5 g, ServingSize 1 serving

THE ABSOLUTE BEST PORCUPINE MEATBALLS



The Absolute Best Porcupine Meatballs image

Soft & tender well-seasoned meatballs baked in a rich tomato sauce make this the perfect classic comfort food for family dinners.

Provided by TKWAdmin

Categories     Meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 1/2 cups cooked, cooled wild grain rice blend, *See note
2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
1 XL Egg
1/2 medium onion, minced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon parsley
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 slices of bread, torn
1/4 cup milk
1 23 ounce can condensed tomato soup
1 cup beef stock or water
8 ounces RedPack tomato paste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon parsley
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350F. In a bowl, add all sauce ingredients and whisk to combine. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl add the bread and milk and gently press down. Allow to soak for ~5 minutes.
  • In a large bowl add the rest of the meatball ingredients. Add the panade mixture (milk and bread) to the bowl. Without overworking the mixture, gently mix just to combine. The mixture should be wet but hold a shape when you form it into a ball. Scoop enough meat mixture to form a 2" round ball (I use a large cookie scoop to measure out my meatballs). Wet your hands and shape. Damp hands are a trick to keeping the mixture from sticking to your hands! *See post for freezing instructions.
  • Place the meatballs in a 3-4 quart baking dish or 9×13" baking pan. They can touch. Repeat until all of the meatballs are shaped and in a pan. If necessary, use 2 pans if you do not have a large enough pan.
  • Pour the mixture over top of the meatballs. Cover the meatballs with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Carefully remove the cover and bake for another 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 165F.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before plating.
  • Store leftovers in a lidded container in the fridge for up to a week.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 2 meatballs, Calories 389 calories, Sugar 11.9 g, Sodium 821.7 mg, Fat 19.5 g, SaturatedFat 7.1 g, TransFat 1.1 g, Carbohydrate 32.2 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 20.7 g, Cholesterol 85.1 mg

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.

GRANDMA WELLS'S PORCUPINE MEATBALLS



Grandma Wells's Porcupine Meatballs image

A family favorite recipe from my childhood. Served over mashed potatoes with a side of green beans just like mama used to make.

Provided by Katrina Freed

Categories     Beef

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 15

MEATBALLS
1 lb ground beef
1/2 c uncooked long grain rice
1/3 c chopped onion
1/3 c chopped green pepper
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/2 c water
SAUCE
2 Tbsp oil
1 can(s) tomato sauce (15 oz.)
1 c water
2 Tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp worcestershire sauce

Steps:

  • 1. In a large mixing bowl combine meatball ingredients. Shape into 1 - 1/2 inch balls
  • 2. In a separate mixing bowl combine tomato sauce, 1 cup water, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce
  • 3. Heat oil in a large skillet and brown meatballs, then drain off grease. Pour tomato sauce mixture over meatballs
  • 4. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and simmer for one hour

GRANDMA'S PORCUPINE MEATBALLS



Grandma's Porcupine Meatballs image

These meatballs were a family Christmas Eve tradition for many years. We always spent Christmas Eve at Grandma Carr's house and she served these with homemade yeast rolls.

Provided by Kathie Carr

Categories     Beef

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 c uncooked rice
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 c finely chopped onion
1 can(s) tomato soup
1 Tbsp sugar
1/2 of a soup can of water

Steps:

  • 1. Combine meat, rice, salt, pepper, and onion. Shape into meatballs. Heat soup, water, and sugar in skillet. Drop in meatballs and cover. Cook at a simmer for 30-35 minutes.
  • 2. Serve with rice or potatoes and fresh yeast rolls.

PORCUPINE MEATBALLS IN SAUERKRAUT



Porcupine Meatballs in Sauerkraut image

Provided by Damaris Phillips

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon unrefined coconut oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 pound ground beef (85/15)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 large egg
1/4 cup uncooked instant rice
2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
Kosher salt and coarsely ground black pepper
Kosher salt and coarsely ground black pepper
One 15-ounce can tomato sauce
1 cup drained sauerkraut
1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning

Steps:

  • Heat 1 teaspoon coconut oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and saute until tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  • In a large bowl, combine the beef, onions, garlic, egg, rice, breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper and stir until well combined. Scoop the meatballs using a 2-tablespoon or 1-ounce scoop and put on a plate or baking sheet until ready to sear. You should have about 20 meatballs.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon coconut oil in the Dutch oven over medium heat and working in batches, brown the meatballs, about 2 minutes on each side. Remove from the pot and drain the fat.
  • Return the Dutch oven to medium heat, add the tomato sauce and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the sauerkraut, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper, to taste. Put the meatballs into the sauce in one layer. Turn the heat to medium low, cover and simmer until meatballs are no longer pink on the inside and the rice is tender, 20 to 25 minutes.

GRANDMA'S PORCUPINE MEATBALLS IN THE INSTANT POT®



Grandma's Porcupine Meatballs in the Instant Pot® image

Grandma's recipe made in the Instant Pot®.

Provided by Helen Sieber

Categories     Meatballs

Time 45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 pound ground beef
½ cup uncooked white rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 egg
1 teaspoon diced garlic
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed tomato soup
½ cup water

Steps:

  • Mix beef, rice, onion, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl until combined. Divide mixture into 8 equal portions and form into meatballs.
  • Place meatballs in a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®). Mix tomato soup and water and pour over meatballs.
  • Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 10 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
  • Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, 10 to 40 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 438.6 calories, Carbohydrate 40.6 g, Cholesterol 114.6 mg, Fat 20.1 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 24 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 950.9 mg, Sugar 11.5 g

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

GREAT-GRANDMA'S ITALIAN MEATBALLS



Great-Grandma's Italian Meatballs image

My great-grandmother started this easy meatball recipe with our family. We use ground beef and turkey for these meatballs, and the flavor's so good, you won't miss the extra calories. -Audrey Colantino, Winchester, Massachusetts

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon each dried basil, oregano and parsley flakes
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 pound lean ground turkey
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
Optional: Hot cooked pasta and pasta sauce

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°. In a small skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Cool slightly., In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, cheese, eggs, seasonings and onion mixture. Add turkey and beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls., Place meatballs on a rack coated with cooking spray in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake until lightly browned and cooked through, 18-22 minutes. If desired, serve with pasta and pasta sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 271 calories, Fat 13g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 125mg cholesterol, Sodium 569mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

  • Use a lean ground beef to prevent the meatballs from becoming greasy.
  • Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes before cooking to help it cook evenly.
  • Brown the meatballs thoroughly before adding them to the sauce to help them hold their shape.
  • Use a variety of vegetables in the sauce to add flavor and texture.
  • Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Serve the meatballs with your favorite pasta or rice.

Conclusion:

Grandma's Porcupine Meatballs are a classic comfort food that is easy to make and always a hit. The meatballs are made with a mixture of ground beef, rice, and vegetables, and they are simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

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