Name: Porcupine Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef (85% or 93%); 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 1/2 cup long-grain rice; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 29 ounces tomato sauce; 1 cup low sodium chicken stock; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 to 3 cloves); 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe·5 from 30 reviews

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food with a twist, Porcupine Meatballs are here to steal the show! These tender meatballs, studded with rice for that signature “porcupine” look, are simmered in a rich tomato sauce that hugs every bite. This dish is as nostalgic as it is satisfying, and perfect for both busy weeknights and laid-back Sunday dinners. Easy to assemble, bursting with savory flavor, and crowned with a touch of fresh parsley, Porcupine Meatballs are bound to become a family favorite at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Porcupine Meatballs wonderfully irresistible is how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients can come together in such a magical way. Each component brings its own charm to the table, whether it’s a pop of savory depth, a hint of aromatic spice, or that delicious, tender bite.

Lean Ground Beef: The backbone of the meatballs, it provides hearty flavor and essential protein for a filling meal.
Yellow Onion: Diced finely for a subtle sweetness and moisture that melts right into every bite.
Long-Grain Rice: The key to the classic porcupine texture, these grains fluff up while cooking and peek out adorably from the meatballs.
Large Egg: Acts as a binder, ensuring your meatballs hold their shape while remaining tender and juicy.
Worcestershire Sauce: That little mystery ingredient that amps up the savoriness and adds depth.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: For a double hit of gentle, aromatic flavor that infuses the entire dish.
Fine Sea Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t underestimate what a little salt and pepper can do!
Tomato Sauce: The rich, tangy base that blankets the meatballs and creates a silky sauce.
Low Sodium Chicken Stock: Adds moisture and subtle flavor complexity to the sauce without over-salting.
Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs to bring all the flavors together with an Italian flair.
Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic deepens the flavor in the sauce for a mouthwatering finish.
Fresh Parsley: A final flourish of color and freshness, perfect for garnish and a light herbal kick.

How to Make Porcupine Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Grab a large mixing bowl and bring the heart of your Porcupine Meatballs to life! Start by combining the ground beef, finely diced onion, uncooked long-grain rice, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix gently by hand—just until everything is evenly incorporated. You want to keep things light here so the meatballs stay incredibly tender.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Now comes the fun part! Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into meatballs about 1-inch in diameter. These should be uniform in size so they cook evenly. If the mixture feels sticky, a quick splash of water on your hands works wonders. Set the meatballs aside on a plate or tray while you move on to the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce

In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, chicken stock, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This savory sauce is the backbone of Porcupine Meatballs, infusing them with moisture and flavor as they cook. Once combined, you’re ready to assemble everything in your baking dish.

Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish

Pour half of the tomato sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly along the bottom. Nestle the meatballs in a single, even layer over the sauce, making sure they aren’t crowded. Pour the remaining sauce right on top, making sure every meatball receives a generous coating.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfect

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and slide it into your preheated oven at 400°F. Bake for one hour. This allows the rice inside each meatball to cook through and fluff up, while the beef becomes rich and juicy, absorbing all that gorgeous tomato flavor. Once done, remove the foil, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Porcupine Meatballs

Porcupine Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley works wonders for adding a pop of color and a gentle, herbal aroma to your Porcupine Meatballs. If you love a little extra freshness, a touch of finely grated lemon zest or a light dusting of Parmesan can also be delightful.

Side Dishes

These classic meatballs pair beautifully with fluffy mashed potatoes, which soak up the tomato sauce like a dream. A warm, crusty loaf of bread is another favorite, perfect for swiping up every last drop of sauce. If you want to add some greens, a simple side salad or steamed green beans will balance your plate nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fresh twist, try serving Porcupine Meatballs in individual ramekins for a dinner-party feel. You can also spoon them over a bed of buttered noodles or even stuffed inside a toasted sub roll for a meatball sandwich that’s out of this world!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, let your Porcupine Meatballs cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer them (with plenty of sauce) to an airtight container and place in the refrigerator. They will keep well for three to four days, making them a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Freezing

If you want to plan even further in advance, Porcupine Meatballs freeze beautifully. You can assemble and freeze the raw meatballs, spread out on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. For cooked meatballs, simply cool, then store in a freezer-safe container with sauce for up to three months. Always label with the date for easy meal planning!

Reheating

To reheat straight from the fridge, a minute or two in the microwave works for single servings, or pop the meatballs (covered) into a 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until heated through. If reheating straight from frozen, bake covered at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and hot.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for Porcupine Meatballs?

Long-grain white rice works best since it cooks perfectly inside the meatballs. Brown rice or other varieties may require a longer cook time and can affect texture, so if you try something new, keep an eye on the doneness.

Can I make Porcupine Meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the meatballs and sauce in your baking dish a day in advance, then refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead dish for entertaining or busy nights.

How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Be sure not to over-mix the meat mixture, as this can make them dense. The egg helps bind everything together, and handling the meatballs softly will ensure they stay nice and tender.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! These Porcupine Meatballs are naturally gluten-free as long as you check your Worcestershire sauce and chicken stock labels for hidden gluten. Always double-check to be sure if you’re cooking for someone with celiac or a gluten intolerance.

Can I cook Porcupine Meatballs on the stovetop instead of baking?

You can simmer them gently in a large pot, covered, over low heat for around 45–60 minutes, turning occasionally. Just be sure the rice inside is completely tender and the meatballs are cooked through before serving.

Final Thoughts

I’m convinced that once you try these Porcupine Meatballs, you’ll find yourself coming back to them again and again. They’re a true family favorite—cozy, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re craving a dinner that makes everyone smile, this is it. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to make enough for seconds!