YT Recipe

Easy Porcupine Meatballs Recipe

Easy Porcupine Meatballs Recipe is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 295 calories per serving. Recipe by Cara's Recipes on YouTube.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 1 hr | Total: 1 hr 40 min

Cost: $6.25 total, $1.04 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef (90% lean, trimmed of excess fat)
  • 0.5 cup Long Grain White Rice (Uncooked, pre‑soaked in water for at least 30 minutes)
  • 0.75 teaspoon Sea Salt (Fine sea salt)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • 0.25 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • 0.25 cup Onion (Finely diced yellow onion)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 0.5 cup Beef Broth (Low‑sodium)
  • 25 oz Tomato Sauce (Plain canned tomato sauce)

Instructions

  1. Gather and Prepare Ingredients

    Measure out all ingredients, dice the onion, and have the pre‑soaked rice ready.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Combine Meatball Mixture

    In a large mixing bowl add the ground beef, soaked rice, sea salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, diced onion, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Use a fork to mix until everything is evenly incorporated.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Form Meatballs

    With damp hands, shape the mixture into 24 uniform meatballs (about 1‑inch diameter) and place them on a plate.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the 9×13‑inch baking dish with non‑stick cooking spray.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  5. Arrange Meatballs in Dish

    Place the 24 meatballs evenly in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Add Tomato Sauce

    Pour the entire 25‑oz jar of tomato sauce over the meatballs. Use a spoon to spread the sauce so every meatball is coated.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Bake Covered

    Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

    Time: PT45M

    Temperature: 350°F

  8. Bake Uncovered

    Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the tops of the meatballs are lightly browned.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 350°F

  9. Serve

    Remove from oven, let rest 2 minutes, then serve hot with creamy mashed potatoes or your favorite side.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
295
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
21 g
Fat
13 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: High‑Protein, Gluten‑Free (if using gluten‑free Worcestershire sauce), Low‑Sugar

Allergens: Beef, Soy (in Worcestershire sauce)

Last updated: April 20, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Easy Porcupine Meatballs Recipe

Recipe by Cara's Recipes

A comforting American classic, these porcupine meatballs combine lean ground beef with rice and a rich tomato sauce. Baked in the oven until tender and lightly browned, they pair perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty dinner.

EasyAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
26m
Prep
1h 5m
Cook
11m
Cleanup
1h 42m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.25
Total cost
$1.04
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Soak the rice beforehand to ensure it softens during baking.
  • • Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined; over‑mixing leads to tough meatballs.
  • • Form uniform meatballs for even cooking.
  • • Cover the dish tightly with foil for the first 45 minutes to retain moisture.
  • • Uncover for the final 15 minutes to develop a lightly browned top.

Safety Warnings

  • • Handle raw ground beef with clean hands and wash all surfaces thoroughly to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • • Make sure the meat reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety.
  • • Use oven mitts when removing the hot baking dish and foil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Porcupine Meatballs in American cuisine?

A

Porcupine meatballs originated during the Great Depression as an economical way to stretch meat with rice, creating a hearty, filling dish that became a staple in American home cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Porcupine Meatballs in the United States?

A

In the Midwest, the meatballs are often baked in a tomato‑based sauce, while Southern versions may add a touch of hot sauce or use a gravy instead of tomato sauce. Some families also incorporate chopped vegetables like carrots or celery.

cultural
Q

How is Porcupine Meatballs traditionally served in American households?

A

They are typically served hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles, and sometimes topped with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese for added flavor.

cultural
Q

During what occasions or celebrations is Porcupine Meatballs commonly prepared in American culture?

A

Porcupine meatballs are a popular comfort‑food for family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving leftovers or casual weekend meals.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Porcupine Meatballs versus acceptable substitutes?

A

The core ingredients are lean ground beef, uncooked rice, and a tomato‑based sauce. Substitutes can include ground turkey or pork for the meat, and crushed tomatoes or marinara in place of plain tomato sauce.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with Porcupine Meatballs?

A

They pair nicely with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttered corn, green beans almondine, or a simple garden salad with vinaigrette.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Porcupine Meatballs?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the meat mixture, not soaking the rice beforehand, and baking uncovered for the entire time, which can dry out the meatballs.

technical
Q

Why does this Porcupine Meatballs recipe use a covered bake followed by an uncovered bake instead of browning the meatballs first?

A

Covering the dish traps steam, ensuring the rice cooks fully and the meat stays moist; uncovering at the end creates a lightly browned top without drying the interior.

technical
Q

Can I make Porcupine Meatballs ahead of time and how should I store them before serving?

A

Yes, you can shape the meatballs and refrigerate them, covered, for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze the uncooked meatballs on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cara's Recipes specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cara's Recipes focuses on approachable, family‑friendly American comfort food, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize simple techniques and budget‑friendly ingredients.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cara's Recipes' approach to American comfort cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Cara's Recipes emphasizes clear, concise instructions with minimal equipment, often incorporating make‑ahead tips and budget considerations, whereas many other channels may focus on gourmet plating or elaborate techniques.

channel
More like this:American RecipesMain Course RecipesMore by Cara's Recipes

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Old Fashioned Porcupine Meatballs
12

Old Fashioned Porcupine Meatballs

A nostalgic Great Depression‑era comfort dish, these porcupine meatballs combine ground beef, rice, and onions into hearty meatballs baked in a sweet‑tangy tomato sauce. Easy to prepare, budget‑friendly, and perfect for a family dinner.

1 hr 37 minServes 4$6
American
Porcupine Meatballs Vintage Recipe from the Great Depression.
3

Porcupine Meatballs Vintage Recipe from the Great Depression.

A nostalgic Great Depression‑era American comfort dish where ground beef is combined with uncooked rice, formed into meatballs, and baked in a sweet‑savory tomato soup sauce. Easy to make, budget‑friendly, and perfect served over potatoes, rice, or noodles.

1 hr 35 minServes 4$6
American
Porcupine Meatballs for a Crowd 
5

Porcupine Meatballs for a Crowd 

A hearty, crowd‑pleasing comfort meal perfect for fall gatherings. Juicy beef meatballs studded with rice (the classic “porcupine” look) are baked, then simmered in a rich brown gravy, and served alongside buttery, creamy mashed potatoes. The recipe can be made a day ahead, making it ideal for large families or parties.

4 hrs 55 minServes 15$33
American
Mom’s Vintage Recipe for Porcupine Meatballs
4

Mom’s Vintage Recipe for Porcupine Meatballs

A nostalgic 1940s American comfort dish where ground beef is stretched with rice and flavored with Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and herbs. Easy to make on the stovetop or in the oven, these bite‑size meatballs are perfect for a budget‑friendly family dinner.

1 hr 55 minServes 4$6
American
Porcupine Meatballs Recipe
3

Porcupine Meatballs Recipe

A nostalgic, budget‑friendly American comfort dish where rice‑filled meatballs are baked in a sweet‑tangy tomato sauce. This easy, oven‑only recipe uses simple pantry staples and delivers tender, flavorful meatballs that look like porcupine quills.

2 hrsServes 4$6
American
CROCK POT PORCUPINE MEATBALLS IN A BEAUTIFUL SAUCE– LET'S GO RETRO
10

CROCK POT PORCUPINE MEATBALLS IN A BEAUTIFUL SAUCE– LET'S GO RETRO

A nostalgic, budget‑friendly dish from the Great Depression era, made easy with a slow cooker. Ground turkey, uncooked rice, and a tangy tomato sauce combine to create fluffy, bumpy meatballs that look like porcupine quills. Perfect for busy weeknights and kid‑friendly meals.

3 hrs 40 minServes 4$6
American
🔥 Trending Recipes← All Recipes