The savory aroma of porcupine meatballs wafts through the kitchen as they gently simmer away. Each tender bite bursts with flavor and a nostalgic reminder of childhood dinners shared with family.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- <strong>What are porcupine meatballs?</strong>
- <strong>Can I freeze porcupine meatballs?</strong>
- <strong>How do I know when they are cooked through?</strong>
- 📖 Recipe Card
a rainy evening, everyone gathered around the dinner table, laughter mixed with fun stories while these delicious meatballs steal the show. The comforting embrace of flavors makes every moment special.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These porcupine meatballs are super easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Their unique flavor profile will surprise your taste buds with every bite.
- Visually appealing with their inviting round shape, they make any gathering feel festive.
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to serve over rice or pasta!
I still remember how my family would fight over the last meatball during Sunday dinners. It became a tradition that always brought us closer together.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a tasty yet less greasy result; it holds the flavors beautifully.
- Uncooked Rice: Use long-grain rice; it cooks perfectly while absorbing all those delicious flavors from the meatballs.
- Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth; make sure it’s fresh for the best taste.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates these meatballs to a whole new level; don’t skimp on this!
- Beef Broth: Using beef broth instead of water enhances flavor; choose low-sodium to control saltiness.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley gives a burst of color and freshness; it’s an excellent garnish too.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out all the other wonderful flavors in your dish.
- Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add moisture; opt for fire-roasted varieties for extra depth.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter; ensure everything is prepped and ready to go. This makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable!
Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil and sauté chopped onions until translucent—about 4 minutes—and then stir in minced garlic until fragrant—just 1 minute more should do!
Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, sautéed onions and garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly—no one likes tough meatballs!
Form Meatballs: Shape your mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter—aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly. Place them carefully on a plate or baking sheet as you work through your mix.
Cook Meatballs in Sauce: In that same skillet (no wasting pans here!), pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth. Gently place each meatball into this bubbling goodness; cover and let everything simmer for about 30 minutes until cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy!: Once cooked, carefully transfer your beautiful porcupine meatballs onto plates or bowls. Garnish with additional parsley if desired! Serve hot over rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up that delightful sauce!
You Must Know
- Use lean ground turkey for a lighter version of porcupine meatballs.
- Add cooked rice or quinoa to the meat mixture for extra texture.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to elevate flavor.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your ingredients thoroughly, then form meatballs and bake them at 375°F for 25-30 minutes for perfectly juicy results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the ground turkey for chicken or beef, and add your favorite veggies like diced bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover porcupine meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make perfect porcupine meatballs, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- Avoid overmixing to keep them tender and juicy.
- Serve with marinara sauce or over pasta for an irresistible meal!
My sister once told me that my porcupine meatballs were “the best thing since sliced bread,” which inspired me to perfect this dish further!
FAQ
What are porcupine meatballs?
Porcupine meatballs are delicious meatballs made with rice mixed into the meat mixture.
Can I freeze porcupine meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze them before cooking or after; just store in airtight containers.
How do I know when they are cooked through?
Cooked porcupine meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Easy Porcupine Meatballs
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Porcupine meatballs are a hearty, family-friendly dish that combines ground beef and rice, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Enjoy these flavorful bites for dinner tonight!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain uncooked rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent (about 4 minutes). Add garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, sautéed onions and garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place them on a plate.
- In the same skillet, pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth. Gently add the meatballs to the sauce. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes or until cooked through.
- Serve hot with additional parsley garnish over rice or alongside crusty bread.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for lean ground beef.
- Add vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to the meat mixture for extra nutrition.
- To elevate flavors, experiment with herbs such as Italian seasoning or cumin.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing/Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 meatballs (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
