Mom's Porcupine Meatballs
Warm, comforting, and irresistibly nostalgic, Mom's Porcupine Meatballs are a hearty family recipe that combines tender ground beef with uncooked white rice, blending classic flavors into bite-sized perfection. As they simmer slowly in a rich tomato sauce infused with Worcestershire sauce and aromatic spices, the rice "puffs out" slightly, giving these meatballs their signature porcupine-like texture. Ready in under an hour, this one-pan dish is as easy to prepare as it is satisfying, making it a timeless weeknight dinner or cozy Sunday meal. Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, with steamed vegetables, or simply enjoy them solo for a comforting taste of home. Perfect for fans of retro recipes and wholesome comfort food, these flavorful meatballs are sure to become a family favorite.
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Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.5 cup uncooked white rice
- 0.25 cup water
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) canned tomato soup
- 1.5 cups water (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked white rice, 1/4 cup water, egg, finely chopped onion, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
Step 2
Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a tray or plate and set aside.
Step 3
In a large skillet or deep saucepan, mix the tomato soup, 1.5 cups water, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until fully combined to create the sauce base.
Step 4
Heat the sauce over medium-high heat until it begins to simmer.
Step 5
Gently place the meatballs into the simmering sauce, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the liquid.
Step 6
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet or saucepan with a lid, and let the meatballs simmer for 35-40 minutes. Occasionally stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 7
Once the meatballs are fully cooked and the rice inside is tender, serve them hot over mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or enjoy on their own.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1572.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1248.0 |
| Total Fat 82.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 32.6g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.6g | |
| Cholesterol 321.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2745.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 51.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 5.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 28.7g | |
| Protein 82.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 122.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 11.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1947.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories