Go Back
A plate of golden-brown porcupine meatballs simmering in a rich tomato sauce, with a unique rice texture. Garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan, served on a wooden board. The rustic kitchen background features soft lighting, utensils, and a lamp, emphasizing the warmth and comfort of the dish.

The Secret Ingredients of Porcupine Meatballs: A Must-Try Lunch Recipe!

Porcupine meatballs are a nostalgic comfort food, named for the rice inside that expands as it cooks, giving the meatballs a "porcupine quill" look. They are traditionally made with ground beef, uncooked rice, and a savory tomato sauce, offering both texture and flavor. A family favorite dating back to the Great Depression, this recipe is simple but can be enhanced with a few secret ingredients to elevate the flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 peoples
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Spoon or hands for mixing
  • Lid for covering during simmering
  • Tray or plate for shaping meatballs

Ingredients
  

  • Ground beef
  • Uncooked long-grain rice
  • Eggs
  • Onion, garlic
  • Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • Beef broth or water
  • Seasonings: salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Parmesan cheese
  • Secret ingredients (optional): cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, fresh parsley, oregano

Instructions
 

  • Mix ground beef, rice, eggs, onion, garlic, and seasonings.
    A bowl of freshly mixed ground beef, rice, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, and seasonings, ready for meatballs or meatloaf.
  • Shape the mixture into meatballs.
    A tray of evenly shaped meatballs made from ground beef, rice, eggs, onion, garlic, and seasonings, ready for cooking.
  • A skillet should be used to brown the meatballs for improved taste.
    Golden-brown meatballs sizzling in a skillet, forming a crispy crust while sealing in savory flavors.
  • Prepare the tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
    Tender meatballs simmering in a rich tomato sauce, slowly absorbing deep, savory flavors.
  • Add the meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer for 30–40 minutes.
    A rich tomato sauce simmering gently for 5 minutes, deepening in flavor before enveloping the perfectly browned meatballs.
  • Serve with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
    Succulent meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, garnished with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a delicious finish.

Video

Keyword Meatballs recipe, Porcupine Meatballs