Porcupine Beef

Experience the comfort of hearty, homemade "Porcupine Beef" meatballs—a classic dish that combines tender ground beef, nutty grains of long-grain white rice, and aromatic spices in a rich, savory tomato sauce. These irresistibly juicy meatballs get their unique name from the rice grains that peek out like little "quills" as they cook. Simmered to perfection in a blend of tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce, these flavorful bites are easy to prepare yet deeply satisfying. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or steamed veggies. Ready in just an hour, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that's sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef
• 0.5 cup Long-grain white rice
• 0.5 cup Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 whole Egg
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 15 oz Canned tomato sauce
• 1 cup Beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix gently with your hands until well combined. Do not overmix.

Step 2

Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs (about 12-14 in total) and set aside.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove the browned meatballs and set them aside on a plate.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the canned tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for added flavor.

Step 5

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Ensure the meatballs are mostly submerged in the liquid.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the meatballs simmer gently for 30-35 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 7

Once the meatballs are cooked through and the rice inside them is tender, remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 8

Serve the porcupine beef meatballs hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. They pair well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1421.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1576.3

Total Fat 103.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 36.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.1g
Cholesterol 517.1mg	0%
Sodium 5121.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 76.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.5g	0%
Total Sugars 23.8g
Protein 85.2g	0%

Vitamin D 48IU	0%
Calcium 267.8mg	0%
Iron 15.1mg	0%
Potassium 3135.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.0%

Protein: 21.6%

Carbs: 19.5%