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Home » Back to School » Porcupine Meatballs

Porcupine Meatballs

Published: Sep 27, 2018 by Ashley Lecker · This post may contain affiliate links · 8 Comments

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This week has been crazy and it is only Wednesday. 
 
I am happy that I have meals like this one in my pocket when they going gets crazy.  I know many people have tried porcupine meatballs before, but it was a new to me recipe when I came across it a few months ago. Since then, it seems like I see recipes all over, and even using an instant pot! I know that it is hard to sift through all of those recipes, and I can tell you that this recipe is delicious, easy, and my kiddos love when I make it for dinner. 
 
The beauty of this dish is that the meatballs cook right in the sauce, and there is not browning, transferring, replacing- this is in one place. Isn't fuss free the best? To be fair, I don't mind a recipe with a few steps, but I need to be in the mood for it and have time on my side. If your life is like mine- time is never on your side on the weeknights. Think of this as a reinforcement against the crazy. 
 
meatballs in a pan
 
Porcupine meatballs are regular meatballs that are mixed with uncooked rice while raw. Add a little seasoning, a little cheese, and a little egg. The meatballs are simmered in a tomato sauce to cook the meat and rice. The name comes from the little bits of cooked rice that poke out once cooked to resemble a little porcupine. Clever girl. 
 
I like to use brown rice in my meatballs, but if you prefer white that will work fine using the same ratio. I serve this with mashed potatoes and some type of vegetable for a side. We are currently on a green bean kick, but I have been hankering for some roasted brussel sprouts. 
 
 
So back to this week. This crazy week. We are having our cabinet refaced, and I know I have discussed that a few times, but this was the week we are officially without a kitchen. It is Thursday and I am ready for my kitchen to be mine again, but we are experiencing a delay. The project was going smoothly until our installer began to prep for the trim around the cabinets, and it was discovered that there was not wood on the wrap. It literally looks like brown packing tape. The doors and other wood pieces look great, and we are confounded as to how this happened. It was likely an error or some kind, but it makes me nervous. I called the store we purchased from and who contracts everyone and I am pleased that there is fire under some asses right now.... So what was a one week project will likely take 2 weeks or more and I am left without a kitchen. I know they will look beautiful at the end but, I am really annoyed about the time delay. 
 
Sigh.... first world problems, right? I am trying not to get too upset about it based on that fact. It will be fine, and we will just have to be a little creative the next week and a half. 
 
Plus, how can I be mad when looking at that tasty plate of food? 
 
 
Last night, we are headed to a friend's house for dinner. I brought a pot of chili and we enjoyed it while we let the kids play. We also  treated ourselves, I mean the kids, to a little custard. Tonight we are haeding out for pizza and the thought of needing to eat out for all of next week is a little daunting, not to mention expensive, but I am thinking this short in between time before the new product comes in to prep a few dinners I can warm in the microwave, or we can cook on the grill. Any suggestions or ideas from you guys would be greatly appreciated because I have a feeling we are going to have some burnout! Low amounts of dirty dishes is a plus because my dishwasher is currently disconnected.... 
 

Porcupine Meatballs

5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup uncooked brown rice
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 2 tablespoon dried minced onion
  • 1 tsp garlic salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 (10 ¾ oz) cans condensed tomato soup, divided
  • 1 cup low sodium beef broth
  • 2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, mix together meat, rice, egg, parsley, onion, salt, pepper, cheese, and ¼ cup tomato soup, mixing until well-combined.
    Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring often. Yield: 4 servings.
  • Shape into 24 small meatballs. Place in skillet. 
  • Whisk remaining tomato soup, beef broth and Worcestershire Sauce and pour over meatballs. 
  • Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low.  Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes, rotating the meatballs halfway into cooking. 

Notes

Adapted from One Perfect Bite
Tried this recipe? I'd love to see it! Mention @CheeseCurdInParadise or tag #cheesecurdinparadise on Instagram!
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jean Hamann

    September 27, 2018 at 1:36 pm

    Make your own sub night. Kids love that. Club rolls from kwik trip are the right size I think. A variety of lunch meat, we like ham turkey and salami. Lettuce tomato onion etc. Chips and fruit. Takes care of one night. If you have an electric griddle you can make your own quesadillas. Buy a rotisserie chx. Cheese salsa sour cream etc. Flour or corn tortillas.

    Reply
    • CheeseCurdInParadise

      September 27, 2018 at 2:18 pm

      I love the sub night! Thanks for the great ideas Jean!

      Reply
  2. Kris

    September 30, 2018 at 5:56 am

    I don’t think I’ll get “204” meatballs out of my pound of Hamburger ! I also make these with a can of Cream of Chicken Soup & 1/2 can of water. Yes, the kids love these !!

    Reply
    • CheeseCurdInParadise

      September 30, 2018 at 8:41 am

      ahhh! Thanks for catching that! What would I do without out you guys!?

      Reply
  3. Claudia Lamascolo

    February 22, 2019 at 8:09 am

    I totally forgot how good these are. I think I made them like over 10 years ago. I love how these taste and your recipe is better than I ever remembered thanks

    Reply
  4. Mahy Elamin

    February 22, 2019 at 12:14 pm

    I made tonight came out wonderful. Next time I will double the sauce for it. I will put this into my monthly food rotation.

    Reply
  5. Danielle Wolter

    February 22, 2019 at 1:28 pm

    simple easy dishes like this are great. my boyfriend loves one pot meals because it means he doesn't have to wash any dishes. And meatballs are just so yummy. perfect with some rice 🙂

    Reply
  6. Marisa F. Stewart

    February 23, 2019 at 1:08 pm

    We would make something similar to this and wrap them in cabbage leaves and call them pigs in the blanket. I never thought of making them by themselves and letting them cook in a delicious sauce. It would be yummy over pasta, rice, or even polenta. Well, I hope you get your kitchen done soon. It's terrible being without one.

    Reply

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Hi, I am Ashley. I am a busy mom and wife working to make family, food, and life an adventure!

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