Go Back Email Link
+ servings
Juicy meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, served in a rustic bowl.

Porcupine Meatballs Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Tender beef meatballs combined with rice and gently simmered in a savory tomato sauce. This classic Porcupine Meatballs Recipe delivers hearty flavors and a comforting, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
4 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • ½ cup uncooked long grain white rice
  • ½ cup water
  • cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon celery salt
  • teaspoon garlic powder
  • teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken stock more as needed
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Instructions
 

Prepare the Meatball Mixture

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, uncooked long grain rice, water, chopped onion, kosher salt, celery salt, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly by hand or with a spoon until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Shape the mixture into 12 uniform meatballs.

Brown the Meatballs

  1. In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Place the formed meatballs in the skillet, cooking them until they are browned on all sides. Turn each meatball carefully during the process. This should take approximately 8 minutes. Once browned, carefully drain and discard any excess grease from the skillet.

Simmer in Tomato Sauce

  1. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the tomato sauce, chicken stock, Worcestershire sauce, and granulated sugar to the skillet with the meatballs. Stir gently to combine without breaking apart the meatballs. Cover the skillet and allow the meatballs to simmer for approximately 45 minutes, or until the rice within the meatballs is fully cooked and the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches a safe level. If the sauce reduces too much during cooking, add additional chicken stock as necessary to maintain the desired consistency.

Serve

  1. Once the meatballs are thoroughly cooked, remove from heat and allow them to rest briefly before serving. They may be garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

To prepare this Porcupine Meatballs Recipe gluten-free:
  • Substitute the long grain white rice with a certified gluten-free variety.
  • Ensure the Worcestershire sauce used is gluten-free (some brands may contain gluten).
  • Confirm that the chicken stock is labeled gluten-free.
  • Use a gluten-free tomato sauce, verifying there are no gluten-containing additives or thickeners.
Bitty