Porcupine Meatballs

Name: Porcupine Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb ground beef; 1/2 bell pepper, chopped; 1 onion, chopped, divided; 2 tbsp garlic, minced, divided; 1 large egg; 2 tbsp bread crumbs; 1 cup uncooked rice; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, divided; 2 (16 oz) cans tomato sauce; 1 cup water; 1 cup beef broth; Seasoning, to taste

Porcupine Meatballs are a classic American comfort dish featuring ground beef mixed with uncooked rice, baked in savory tomato sauce until the rice grains poke through the surface, creating their distinctive appearance and tender, moist texture.

🌍American 🏷️Porcupine meatballs 🏷️Meatballs 🏷️Ground beef 🏷️Rice Tomato sauce

🏷️

🏷️Comfort food

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TikTok

Total

1h 30m

Servings

6

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$23–$38

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

2 lb ground beef
1/2 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped, divided
2 tbsp garlic, minced, divided
1 large egg
2 tbsp bread crumbs
1 cup uncooked rice
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, divided
2 (16 oz) cans tomato sauce
1 cup water
1 cup beef brothoptional
Seasoning, to taste

12 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped bell pepper, half of the chopped onion, 1 tablespoon of garlic, the egg, bread crumbs, uncooked rice, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Season to taste.
3
Mix the ingredients thoroughly with your hands and form into meatballs.
4
Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
5
In a separate bowl, prepare the sauce by combining the two cans of tomato sauce, water (or beef broth), the remaining half of the chopped onion, the remaining 1 tablespoon of garlic, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Season to taste.
6
Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs in the casserole dish.
7
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
8
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the rice is tender.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Use uncooked rice, not cooked; it will expand and absorb the sauce, cooking perfectly during baking while keeping meatballs moist.
Mix the meat mixture gently and avoid overmixing, which toughens the meatballs—handle just until ingredients combine.
Cover the baking dish with foil to prevent the tops from drying out; uncover for the last 5-10 minutes if browning is desired.
The sauce should bubble gently around the edges when done; if liquid is still pooling, the rice likely needs more time.

Substitutions

Ground beef → ground turkey or ground pork (results in leaner meatballs; slightly shorter cooking time)
Bell pepper → celery, finely diced (similar texture and flavor contribution)
Worcestershire sauce → soy sauce (use same amount for a slightly deeper umami)

Storage & make-ahead

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water, or cover and warm in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Freeze unbaked meatballs for up to 3 months.

Common Questions

Why do you use uncooked rice in porcupine meatballs?

Uncooked rice absorbs moisture from the tomato sauce as the meatballs bake, cooking through completely while keeping the meat tender and helping the meatballs hold their shape.

Can you make porcupine meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, form the meatballs up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. You can also freeze unbaked meatballs for up to 3 months; add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.

How long do porcupine meatballs need to bake?

Bake covered for 50-60 minutes at 350°F until the rice is tender and the meatballs are cooked through. The sauce will bubble around the edges when ready.

Can you substitute the rice with something else?

You can use cooked rice, but reduce the water in the sauce by half since cooked rice won't absorb as much liquid. Uncooked rice is traditional and gives the best texture.

How do you store leftover porcupine meatballs?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or in the oven covered at 325°F for 15-20 minutes.