Porcupine Meatballs with Gravy

Porcupine Meatballs with Gravy are juicy, flavorful, and packed with tender rice, making them irresistibly good. Smothered in rich brown gravy and served over a bed of mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, theyโ€™re the ultimate feel-good meal. Whether youโ€™re cooking for your family or treating yourself, this recipe is a must-try!

A white plate with mashed potatoes topped with meatballs in tomato sauce, garnished with chopped parsley; fresh parsley in the background.

If youโ€™ve never had porcupine meatballs before, youโ€™re in for a treat. They earned their quirky name because the rice inside the meatballs sticks out after cooking, resembling little “porcupine quills.” This dish has been a favorite for generations, and after the first bite, you will see why.

Looking for more gravy recipes? Next time, try these Oven Baked Hamburger Steaks, Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs, or Instant Pot Salisbury Steak. You will be so glad that you did.

Ingredients

Overhead view of labeled ingredients for a recipe, including ground beef, diced tomatoes, rice, brown gravy, water, oil, Worcestershire, onion, garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.

We’ve made this list to help you save time on your next trip to the grocery store. You can find the full amounts needed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • Ground beef: I like to use ground chuck so that the meatballs do not dry out while cooking.
  • Rice: I used uncooked long-grain white rice; minute rice would also work.
  • Produce: You will need fresh garlic and yellow onion from the department.
  • Seasonings and Spices: Pull oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper from your spice cabinet.
  • Pantry staples: Reach into the pantry and pull out brown gravy mixes, cans of diced tomatoes, and vegetable oil.

See the recipe card below for quantities.

Instructions

This is a quick overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. You can find the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

A glass bowl with ground beef, rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, and spices. Nearby are a measuring cup of tomatoes, olive oil, and seasoning containers on a white surface.

Step 1:Combine the ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, and seasonings together in a large bowl.

A metal scoop holds a portion of raw ground meat mixture above a glass bowl filled with more of the same mixture; seasonings are visible in the background.

Step 2: Use a cookie scoop to shape the meat mixture into 1 or 1.5 inch balls.

A white pan filled with uncooked meatballs sits on a counter, surrounded by tomato sauce, olive oil, seasonings, and breadcrumbs.

Step 3: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, brown the meatballs on all sides.

A glass measuring cup with dry and wet ingredients, a jug of diced tomatoes, olive oil, pepper grinder, and a bowl of uncooked meatballs on a white surface.

Step 4:In another whisk together the brown sugar and 1 1/2 cups of water until smooth.

A glass measuring cup pours broth into a pan containing meatballs, diced tomatoes, and seasonings. Olive oil and pepper are visible in the background.

Step 5: Place the diced tomatoes on top of the meatballs in the skillet. And then pour in the gravy.

A white skillet filled with meatballs in a tomato-based sauce, surrounded by fresh parsley, garlic, and wooden utensils on a striped cloth.

Step 6:Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes or until the meatballs are tender and the sauce is thickened.

Storage

  • Storage: If you have leftovers, allow the meatballs to cool completely before storing them. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: To freeze, place cooled meatballs (with gravy) in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Theyโ€™ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat the meatballs in a skillet over low-medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen up the gravy while reheating.

What to Serve Porcupine Meatballs

These meatballs pair nicely with a bed of Boursin Mashed Potatoes or Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes. And don’t forget a vegetable side dish, such as Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans or Roasted Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts.

A white pan filled with meatballs in tomato sauce, with a wooden spoon lifting one meatball.

Wendys Tips

  • Mixing matters: Avoid over-mixing the meat mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough instead of tender.
  • Uniform sizing: Shape the meatballs evenly so they cook at the same rate.
  • Brown for flavor: Browning the meatballs before simmering enhances their flavor and gives them a gorgeous color.
  • Low and slow: Simmering the meatballs ensures the rice cooks fully and absorbs those delicious flavors.

FAQ

Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well if you prefer a lighter meat option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as turkey cooks faster than beef.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

You can! Try adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet for an added veggie boost.

What if I donโ€™t have brown gravy mix?

If you canโ€™t find brown gravy mix, you can substitute beef broth thickened with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).

A white plate with meatballs in tomato sauce served over mashed potatoes, garnished with chopped parsley, placed on a folded gray napkin.
Three beef meatballs in tomato gravy served over mashed potatoes, garnished with chopped parsley, on a white plate.

Porcupine Meatballs With Gravy

Porcupine Meatballs are tender rice filled meatballs that are simmer in a rich brown gravy. A simple, hearty recipe your family will love.
No ratings yet
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 510kcal
Author: Wendy

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • cookie scoop or ice cream scoop
  • large skillet
  • medium bowl or measuring cup

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • ยฝ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cans 14 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 packages brown gravy mix
  • 3 cups water
  • 4 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  • Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and set aside.
  • In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. In batches, brown the meatballs on all sides, ensuring a nice golden crust forms. This should take about 5 minutes per batch.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the brown gravy mix with 1 1/2 cups of water until smooth and well combined.
  • Pour the diced tomatoes (with their juice) into the skillet with the meatballs. Then, pour the prepared brown gravy over the meatballs and tomatoes.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the skillet, and let it cook for an additional 20 minutes, or until the rice inside the meatballs is fully cooked.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • Once the meatballs are cooked through and the rice is tender, the dish is ready to be served.
  • Serve the porcupine meatballs over cooked rice or mashed potatoes, spooning the flavorful brown gravy over the top.

Disclaimer:

Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 510kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 525mg | Potassium: 493mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 4mg
A bowl of rice topped with shredded chicken in sauce, garnished with green onions and black sesame seeds, served with a slice of grilled pineapple.

Crockpot Huli Huli Chicken

Posted on
Crockpot Huli Huli Chicken is a sweet and tangy Hawaiian-style dish thatโ€™s all about juicy, saucy comfort. The chicken gets fall-apart tender in the slow cooker, soaking up a tropical…
A hand holding a tortilla chip topped with fresh mango salsa containing diced mango, red onion, cilantro, and other ingredients.

Mango Habanero Salsa

Posted on
This mango habanero salsa is what summer dreams are made of. Itโ€™s juicy, fiery, and loaded with fresh flavor. Youโ€™ve got tropical sweetness from the mango, a spicy punch from…
A cinnamon roll topped with white icing and chopped nuts on a white plate, with a fork placed beside it.

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Posted on
Warm, soft, and full of banana bread flavor, these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect mix of banana bread and cinnamon rolls. Theyโ€™re great for breakfast, brunch, or a…
A plate with a roasted chicken leg quarter, mashed potatoes with gravy, and a gravy boat on the side.

Slow Cooked Chicken Leg Quarters

Posted on
Thereโ€™s nothing better than tender, juicy chicken leg quarters with crispy golden skin and rich, tasty gravy. Whether youโ€™re meal prepping or making a family dinner, slow-cooked chicken is simple…
A hamburger patty topped with a sunny-side-up egg sits on white rice with brown gravy, sliced mushrooms, and green onions on a white plate.

Loco Moco Recipe

Posted on
A Hawaiian classic, loco moco is a complete meal on one plate: juicy hamburger patties served on a bed of fluffy rice, topped with savory mushroom gravy and a perfectly…
A serving of cheesy breakfast casserole with bread and melted cheese on a white plate.

Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Posted on
Chicken and Waffle Casserole, a recipe that blends crispy chicken, fluffy waffles, and rich, savory flavors in every bite. Whether youโ€™re planning a cozy family dinner or whipping up a…

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating