It's always fun serving foods that are a bit unique, and porcupine meatballs certainly fit that bill.
But don't let the name (or the look) fool you. They're just like normal meatballs, but with a surprise inside: a helping of long-grain white rice, which helps give these meatballs their trademark look.
But don't let the name (or the look) fool you. They're just like normal meatballs, but with a surprise inside: a helping of long-grain white rice, which helps give these meatballs their trademark look.
So not only are they fun to serve (and eat!) but each bite also counts as a serving of meat and grains.
Talk about delicious efficiency!
What are classic porcupine meatballs?
This recipe has a pretty unique name, and it's a fitting choice to match the unique look of these meatballs. Essentially, porcupine meatballs are typical meatballs with rice inside. Uncooked rice is used to form the meatballs, so when they bake and the rice expands, it gives the meatballs a spiny look. So while they make look a little bit odd, fans of beef and rice are bound to love the taste.
You can serve porcupine meatballs however you like, but traditionally, they're baked or served on a bed of simple homemade red sauce.
How to freeze this porcupine meatball recipe:
One of the best things about porcupine meatballs is that they freeze well. And better yet, whether you're freezing them cooked or uncooked, the process is the same: Place room-temperature meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. (Note: this means that if you've already cooked the meatballs, they should first be cooled to room temperature.)
Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer until meatballs are frozen.
Remove baking sheet from freezer, then move the frozen meatballs to a ziplock bag.
Seal bag and store in the freezer for up to three to four months.
When you're ready to use the meatballs, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then you can cook or use them like normal.
Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer until meatballs are frozen.
Remove baking sheet from freezer, then move the frozen meatballs to a ziplock bag.
Seal bag and store in the freezer for up to three to four months.
When you're ready to use the meatballs, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then you can cook or use them like normal.
What you will need to make Porcupine Meatballs:
- Two mixing bowls - at least one of them on the larger side.
- Spatula -
- Whisk - I have had this set for over 10 years and it is still as good as the day I bought it. With 3 sizes there is a whisk for every job.
- Spoon -
- 9x13 Baking Dish - I have my favorites and this set is one of them. The 9x13 is perfect for casseroles and the smaller size is awesome for making 1/2 a casserole recipe.
How do you freeze meatballs?
This really comes down to personal preference, because freezing works just as well for both raw or cooked. If you're having trouble deciding, there are some benefits:Freezing raw: Since you don't need to wait for cooking or cooling, this method means there's less upfront work. So you can make the meatballs, freeze them, and then move on to something else.
Freezing cooked: While you do have to spend time cooking the meatballs and waiting for them to cool, the cooked meatballs will be tougher and more likely to keep their shape. Plus, if you cook the porcupine meatballs first, you can freeze the sauce right along with the meatballs.
Can you double this recipe? Can you half this recipe?
Yes, you totally can (to both questions). This recipe already makes a decent sized batch of meatballs (about 30), but that might seem a little short for a party or a little big for dinner. I've adjusted the serving size of this recipe multiple times with great results, so feel free to make as many (or as little!) as you need.
What to serve with classic porcupine meatballs
Although they look a tad different, you can treat these meatballs just like you would any "normal" meatball. So when picking foods to accompany them, any of the following classics would be great: Garlic bread, whether it be cheesy or extra buttery
Steamed or grilled veggies (green beans, zucchini, tomatoes, etc)
Sweet or savory salads
On a bed of your favorite pasta
Steamed or grilled veggies (green beans, zucchini, tomatoes, etc)
Sweet or savory salads
On a bed of your favorite pasta
Our Favorite Meatball Recipes
- Italian Herb Baked Meatballs
- Sriracha Honey Slow Cooker Meatballs
- Creamy Swedish Meatballs
- Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
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See how easy these Porcupine Meatballs are to make. Watch the video!!!
porcupine meatballs, classic porcupine meatballs, porcupine meatball recipe
Dinner
American
Yield: 30 meatballs
Porcupine Meatballs
Easy Porcupine Meatballs are made with ground beef and rice. It's really delicious way to shake up the traditional meatball with a fun twist, these classic porcupine meatballs are laced with tender white rice and cooked on a bed of easy homemade red sauce.
prep time: 15 minscook time: 60 minstotal time: 75 mins
Ingredients
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup water, divided
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1/3 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, 1/2 cup water, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until the sugar has dissolved. Set bowl aside.
- In a large bowl, add rice, 1/2 cup water, onion, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika. Use a spatula to toss the ingredients together until mixed.
- Add ground beef and canola oil to rice mixture, then mix thoroughly until beef has broken down and ingredients are incorporated throughout.
- Use a spoon to scoop out 1-2 tablespoons of the meat mixture, then roll and mold it into a ball. Place formed meatball in a 9x13 baking dish. Repeat this step until all the meatballs have been formed, spacing each meatball about 1 inch apart.
- Pour the prepared red cause over the meatballs. Give the baking dish a gentle shake to distribute the sauce throughout the dish.
- Cover baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 30-35 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve porcupine meatballs immediately with chopped parsley as garnish (optional).
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