Easy Porcupine Meatballs

This is the perfect gluten-free alternative to regular meatballs which are usually made using breadcrumbs. In this recipe, the breadcrumbs are substituted by rice, hence the name. The rice grains stick out of the meatballs resembling porcupines!

What’s In Porcupine Meatballs?

This fun and gluten-free twist on regular meatballs has the following ingredients:

• Lean ground beef
• Cooked rice
• Onion
• Garlic
• Fresh parsley
• Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if needed)
• Egg
• Condensed tomato soup
• V8
• Crushed tomatoes
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

How Do I Make Porcupine Meatballs?

1. To make the meatballs, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, minced onion, garlic, fresh parsley, Worcestershire sauce, egg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl using your hands. Do not overwork the meat mixture.
2. Divide the mixture into balls and place them in a baking dish. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
3. To make the sauce, mix the tomato soup, V8, crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste in a large bowl until fully combined.
4. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and bake, uncovered, for about an hour or until the meatballs are fully cooked.

How Do I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, and if you can’t find it, substitute it for gluten-free, low-sodium soy sauce. Make sure all the other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I Use Bottled Marinara Sauce Instead Of Making My Own?

Sure! Anything that makes your life easier is always a good idea.

Other Ground Beef Recipes For You:

• Ground Beef Casserole
• Best Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
• The Best Classic Chili Recipe
• Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew Recipe

Easy Porcupine Meatballs

This is the perfect gluten-free alternative to regular meatballs!

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 294kcal

Author: Katherine - Yummfully

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• ½ cup cooked white rice
• ¼ cup onion, minced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tbsp parsley, freshly chopped and more for garnish
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce:

• 1-10 oz can condensed tomato soup
• 1 cup V8 juice
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• To make the meatballs, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, minced onion and garlic, fresh parsley, Worcestershire sauce, egg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl using your hands. Do not overwork the meat mixture.
• Divide the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them in a baking dish. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
• To make the sauce, mix the tomato soup, V8 juice, crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until fully combined.
• Pour the sauce over the meatballs and bake, uncovered, for about an hour or until the meatballs are fully cooked.

Notes

1. Do not overwork the meat. If you overwork the meat, the fat in the meat will separate and the meatballs will be tough instead of tender.
2. If you are using day-old rice, make sure it is at room temperature.
3. Remember to season the meatballs as well as the sauce with salt and pepper.

 

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Nutrition

Calories: 294kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 7g