Dinners

Old-Fashioned Porcupine Meatballs Dinner Recipe

Table of Contents

  • Key Takeaways
  • Why This Is One of the Best Dinner Recipes Ever
  • Old-Fashioned Comfort with a Modern Twist
  • How These Meatballs Bring Families Together
  • Tips to Elevate Your Comfort Food Game
  • Making Porcupine Meatballs Ahead of Time
  • How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
  • Recipe & Instructions
  • Notes & Tips

Key Takeaways

Old-fashioned porcupine meatballs are a timeless favorite made with ground beef, rice, and savory tomato sauce. They’re simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners. This recipe is a family-favorite comfort food that’s easy to prepare and stores well for later. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, you’ll love how effortless and flavorful this meal is.

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Why This Is One of the Best Dinner Recipes Ever

If you’re a fan of hearty and nostalgic meals, then this recipe is right up your alley. These porcupine meatballs bring the essence of homemade cooking to your dinner table with minimal effort. As one of the best dinner recipes from Patricia Universe, they combine taste, texture, and tradition into a single skillet. The rice inside the meatballs fluffs up as they simmer, giving them their “porcupine” look and making them irresistibly tender.

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Old-Fashioned Comfort with a Modern Twist

There’s something deeply comforting about classic ground beef recipes, and this one is no exception. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can craft a dish that feels like a warm hug. While the original version has been loved for generations, Patricia has added her own simple spin at Patricia Universe to make it even more approachable for modern cooks.

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How These Meatballs Bring Families Together

We all need easy recipes that bring comfort and connection to our dinner table. These porcupine meatballs are just that. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday dinner, they create an opportunity for gathering around good food and great conversation. Add a salad or mashed potatoes and you’ve got a complete meal that even picky eaters love. No wonder it’s a go-to in the list of favorite family-friendly recipes.

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Tips to Elevate Your Comfort Food Game

Looking to jazz it up a little? Try swapping ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner version, or toss in some finely diced bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. If you’re short on time, form the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. That’s the magic of quick and easy recipes—flexibility with no compromise on taste.

Making Porcupine Meatballs Ahead of Time

This is one of those recipes for dinner that actually tastes better the next day. The flavors deepen and the sauce thickens just right. Make a double batch, refrigerate, or freeze for later. When you’re ready, simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Dinner recipes like this one were made for meal prep.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. These meatballs also freeze well—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s one of those comfort food solutions that’s just as delicious the next time around.

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Old-Fashioned Porcupine Meatballs Dinner Recipe

This classic porcupine meatballs recipe is one of the best dinner recipes for cozy nights, packed with flavor and family-friendly comfort.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Dinners
Cuisine: American
Keywords: comfort food, dinner recipes, easy recipes, family-friendly recipes, ground beef recipes, quick and easy recipes, recipes for dinner
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Patricia

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • ½ cup uncooked white rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, salt, pepper, egg, and Worcestershire sauce until fully combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into approximately 1½-inch meatballs (about 12–14 total).
  3. In a large skillet, whisk together tomato sauce, water, brown sugar, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  4. Carefully add the meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer over low heat for 45 minutes, gently stirring once or twice.
  5. Once cooked through and the rice is tender, serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

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