Delicious Chicken Lo Mein Recipe for Easy Meals
Introduction
Hearty, nostalgic, and surprisingly simple—Porcupine Meatballs are a beloved comfort food made with ground beef, rice, and savory tomato sauce. These meatballs get their quirky name from the rice grains that poke out like little porcupine quills as they cook. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this dish is full of rich flavor and old-school charm.
What You Need
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
½ cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried parsley
For the Sauce:
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp sugar (optional, to cut acidity)
How to Make
- Mix Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, onion, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until just combined.
- Form Balls: Shape mixture into 1½-inch meatballs (about 18–20 total).
- Prepare Sauce: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, whisk together tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire, Italian seasoning, and sugar.
- Simmer: Add meatballs to the sauce. Cover and simmer on low for 40–45 minutes, or until rice is tender and meatballs are cooked through. Stir gently occasionally to prevent sticking.
Why You’ll Love This
A nostalgic family classic
Only a few simple ingredients
No pre-cooking the rice—everything cooks together
Hearty, comforting, and freezer-friendly!
Tips
Don’t over-mix the meat mixture—gentle hands = tender meatballs.
Use a cookie scoop to keep meatballs uniform.
If sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
Substitutions and Variations
Ground Turkey or Chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Brown Rice (par-cooked) for added fiber.
Add chopped bell pepper or zucchini to the sauce for extra veggies.
Make a Healthier Version
Use lean ground turkey or plant-based meat.
Substitute brown rice or quinoa (pre-cooked).
Use low-sodium tomato sauce and broth.
Skip the sugar or replace with a natural sweetener.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use instant rice?
A: It’s best to use regular long-grain rice, as instant rice may get mushy.
Q: Can I bake these instead of simmering?
A: Yes! Place in a baking dish with sauce, cover, and bake at 350°F for about 1 hour.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Absolutely! Freeze fully cooked meatballs in sauce for up to 3 months.
Health Benefits
A good source of protein and iron
Adding veggies or using lean meat can boost fiber and reduce fat
Rice provides energy-supporting carbohydrates
Conclusion
Classic Porcupine Meatballs are a timeless dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or batch-cooking for the week, these saucy meatballs are always a hit.
Delicious Chicken Lo Mein Recipe for Easy Meals
Classic Porcupine Meatballs are tender beef and rice meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce until flavorful and juicy. This comforting retro recipe gets its name from the rice grains that poke out like porcupine quills as they cook. A hearty family favorite perfect for cozy dinners!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings (about 18–20 meatballs)
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
– ½ cup uncooked long-grain white rice
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp salt
– ½ tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– 1 tsp sugar (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Shape the mixture into 18–20 small meatballs (about 1½ inches in diameter).
3. In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, whisk together tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and sugar (if using).
4. Gently place meatballs into the sauce in a single layer.
5. Cover and simmer over low heat for 40–45 minutes, stirring gently every 15 minutes to prevent sticking, until meatballs are cooked through and rice is tender.
6. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, pasta, or bread.
Notes
• Don’t overmix the meat mixture—this helps keep the meatballs tender.
• You can bake instead of simmering: place in a baking dish with sauce, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
• Freeze leftovers in sauce for up to 3 months—reheat on stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
