Description

Tender beef meatballs mixed with rice and simmered in a savory tomato sauce, these Porcupine Meatballs are a comforting, old-fashioned classic. The rice expands as it cooks, giving each meatball its signature ‘porcupine’ look — cozy, hearty, and full of nostalgic flavor.

Ingredients

Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef (80/20)

1/2 cup uncooked white rice

1/4 cup ketchup

1/3 cup onion, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 egg, lightly beaten

1/4 tsp celery salt

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Sauce:

1 can (10.75 oz) condensed tomato soup

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 cup water

Optional Topping:

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, ketchup, onion, garlic, egg, and seasonings. Mix gently until just combined.
Roll mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs (about 20 total).
Arrange meatballs in a large skillet or baking dish in a single layer.
In a separate bowl, whisk together tomato soup, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Pour sauce evenly over meatballs.
To cook on the stovetop: Cover and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 15 minutes, gently turn meatballs, then simmer another 25–30 minutes until rice is tender and meatballs are cooked through.
To bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 30 minutes until sauce is bubbly and meatballs are fully cooked.
Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top during the last few minutes of cooking to melt.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For a creamy variation, use cream of mushroom soup instead of tomato soup.

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Use instant rice for quicker cooking.

Double the sauce if you like extra to spoon over mashed potatoes or noodles.

Freeze cooked meatballs (with sauce) for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop or Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 3–4 meatballs)
Calories: 360
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 110mg