Porcupine Meatballs
+4 photos

Porcupine Meatballs

6 servings
These Porcupine Meatballs are cozy, retro comfort food at its best, tender beef meatballs with rice “quills,” baked in a rich tomato sauce until saucy, juicy, and totally irresistible.

Ingredients

  • ground beef

    extra lean

    1 ¾ lb
  • onion

    finely chopped

    1 medium
  • poultry seasoning
    ½ tsp
  • ground cloves
    1 pinch
  • thyme

    dried

    ½ tsp
  • baking powder
    1 tsp
  • salt
    2 tsp
  • pepper
    ½ tsp
  • long-grain rice

    uncooked

    ½ c
  • milk
    1 c
  • olive oil
    2 tbsp
  • condensed tomato soup)

    (10.75 oz cans

    2 cans
  • water)

    (use soup can to measure

    2 cans
  • parsley

    finely chopped

    2 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. 2

    In a large bowl add the meatball ingredients, and mix well using your clean hands. The mixture will be quite soft and loose, but they will cook into firm meatballs. 

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Wet your hands and form the mixture into medium size meatballs. You should end up with about 30 meatballs. Drizzle the olive oil in a 9x13 inch casserole dish then place the meatballs in the dish.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    In another large bowl mix the soup and water together, then pour over the meatballs. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and cover with aluminum foil. 

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Bake covered for 35 minutes then remove the foil and cook for another 30-35 minutes, or until the rice pokes through the meatballs.

    Step 5
  6. 6

    Serve with mashed potatoes and enjoy!

Porcupine Meatballs
+4

Porcupine Meatballs

4.7(45)85 min6 servings389 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

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Exceptional

Based on 45 ratings

jocooks.com
4.7(45 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving a deeply comforting, nostalgic dinner that delivers on flavor and tenderness? Our Porcupine Meatballs recipe brings back those cherished retro comfort food vibes with an irresistible, saucy twist.

This recipe works wonders because it leverages uncooked long-grain rice within the meatballs. As they bake, the rice absorbs the rich tomato sauce and meat juices, expanding to create those signature "quills" while ensuring the ground beef stays wonderfully tender and juicy. The result is a truly satisfying, fuss-free meal.

Prepare for a truly cozy culinary experience. You'll find tender, savory beef meatballs, perfectly studded with plump, flavorful rice, all nestled in a luscious, rich tomato sauce. The subtle blend of poultry seasoning, aromatic thyme, and a hint of ground cloves provides a complex, deeply satisfying taste that makes this dish feel both familiar and special. It’s a hearty, saucy meal that promises to warm you from the inside out.

Customization & Variations

While the recipe shines as written, feel free to make minor adjustments. You can easily modify the amount of onion to your preference, or adjust the salt and pepper to taste. For a slightly different flavor profile, a pinch more dried thyme can enhance the savory notes. For those looking to add a touch of freshness, consider stirring in a little extra chopped parsley right before serving.

These Porcupine Meatballs are perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a comforting family meal. Serve them generously over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or with a simple side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce. A final sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a beautiful pop of color.

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