Vintage Porcupine Meatballs are a nostalgic trip back to those comforting family dinners. These are not your average meatballs — the rice inside gives them an adorable, prickly appearance, hence the name. It's a hearty, warming dish that’s perfect for a cozy evening.
The star of the dish, ground beef, provides a hearty base that’s both filling and flavorful. Uncooked long grain rice is the secret to the porcupine effect, expanding during cooking to create a delightful texture. Finely chopped onion adds a mellow, savory sweetness. The egg acts as a binder, ensuring our meatballs hold together nicely. Salt and black pepper season the meatballs, enhancing the natural meaty flavors. A splash of water keeps the mixture moist. The canned tomato sauce forms the base of our simmering liquid, mingling with Worcestershire sauce for a tangy, slightly smoky depth. Another cup of water helps to create sufficient sauce for simmering.
These meatballs shine when served over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. A side of steamed green beans or roasted carrots adds a nice color and nutritional boost. Top with fresh parsley for a pop of freshness and color.
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add in the ground beef, rice, onion, egg, salt, black pepper, and a quarter cup of water. Now, roll up your sleeves and mix everything together with your hands until the ingredients are well combined. It should feel a bit sticky but firm.
Next, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should get around 12 to 14 meatballs. Try to make them uniform so they cook evenly.
In a large skillet, pour in the tomato sauce, remaining water, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring this to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, carefully add the meatballs into the sauce, ensuring they're mostly submerged.
Cover the skillet and let them simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes. Stir them gently every now and then to make sure they’re cooking evenly and not sticking to the bottom. The rice will plump up, giving them that signature porcupine look.
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