Beef Porcupine Balls Recipe

Nostalgia in every bite! This comforting Beef Porcupine Balls recipe is a family favorite, passed down through generations. Simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, these savory meatballs simmer in a flavorful gravy. Get creative and customize the seasonings to your liking – it's a recipe that encourages culinary fun! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 50 mins
Calories 198.7 kcal
Protein 46g
Rating 4.3 (10 Reviews)
Beef Porcupine Balls 107

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Beef Porcupine Balls

  • 1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
  • 1 lb ground chuck
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
  • 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can condensed tomato soup, undiluted
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 tsp seasoned salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp cold water (for slurry)

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How to Make Beef Porcupine Balls

  1. Prepare rice according to package directions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork.
  2. In a large bowl, gently combine 1 lb ground chuck, 1 cup cooked rice, and 1 large egg. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  3. Season the mixture generously with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp seasoned salt (or 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper).
  4. Shape the mixture into 20 meatballs, approximately 1 1/4 inches in diameter.
  5. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  6. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
  7. Pour 1 cup beef broth (or water) into the skillet. Stir in 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1/2 tsp onion powder.
  8. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  9. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  10. If desired, thicken the gravy further by mixing 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water to form a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook until thickened.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

4 g

Sugar

0g

Fat

20g

Carbs

0g

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