Savory Porcupine Meatballs Recipe with Tangy Tomato Sauce

Easy weeknight meal: Porcupine Meatballs!

Porcupine meatballs are a comforting, nostalgic dish named for the uncooked rice mixed into the meatballs that puffs up and gives them a “spiky” look after cooking. This simple recipe is even easier when made in the Instant Pot (pressure cooker), making it a great option for a busy weeknight.

Instant Pot Porcupine Meatballs with Tomato Soup

Adding half a cup of uncooked white rice to the meatball mixture is what gives these meatballs their name. A can of tomato soup creates a flavorful sauce that warms the whole family. If you prefer, you can make an easy homemade tomato soup by blending canned whole tomatoes with a little honey and salt — a quick alternative that avoids processed ingredients.

Porcupine Meatballs in the Instant Pot

Cooking porcupine meatballs in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot reduces total cook time significantly. Use the sauté function to brown the meatballs first for better flavor, then add the tomato soup mixture and switch to pressure cook for tender, evenly cooked meatballs.

A stainless steel scoop—often used for ice cream—works great for portioning uniform meatballs, though any small scoop or a spoon will do. Once formed, brown the meatballs in a skillet or in the Instant Pot using the sauté setting before finishing them in sauce.

After rolling the meatballs, brown them evenly. You can use canned tomato soup for convenience or make your own blended tomato soup to control the ingredients.

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Porcupine Meatballs

A family favorite that’s faster when made in the Instant Pot.

Author Kami – NoBiggie.net

Ingredients

• 1
  pound
  ground beef
• 1/2
  cup
  rice
  uncooked
• 1
  egg
  beaten
• 1
  family size can
  tomato soup or homemade tomato soup
  (recipe below)
• 1/2
  cup
  water
• 1
  tablespoon
  onion
  minced
• 1
  teaspoon
  salt
• 1/2
  teaspoon
  pepper

HOMEMADE TOMATO SOUP

• 1
  32oz can
  tomatoes
  whole, peeled
• 2
  tablespoons
  honey
  raw, unfiltered
• 1/2
  teaspoon
  salt

Instructions

To Make Homemade Tomato Soup:

1. Blend the canned tomatoes with honey and salt until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

To Cook the Meatballs on the Stovetop:

1. Combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, beaten egg, minced onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.
2. Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs using a scoop or by hand.
3. Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium-high heat and drain any excess fat.
4. Add the tomato soup and water, then simmer the meatballs for about one hour, until the rice is tender.
5. Serve warm with a vegetable or side of your choice.

To Cook in the Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker

1. Place the uncooked meatballs in the Instant Pot and brown them using the sauté feature until mostly browned on all sides.
2. Pour in the tomato soup and water, stirring to coat the meatballs evenly.
3. Secure the lid and set the steam release to “seal.” Select Pressure Cook and set for 25 minutes. The pot will take a few minutes to reach pressure before timing begins.
4. Allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes after cooking.
5. Carefully remove the lid, serve warm, and enjoy.

Recipe Notes

If you like more sauce, add extra tomato soup or a little extra water. These meatballs pair nicely with garlic bread, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables.

Making this recipe? Tag us on Instagram: @NoBiggie using the hashtag #NoBiggieRecipes so we can see what you’re cooking!

That’s it — a comforting, easy dish the whole family will enjoy.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Porcupine Meatballs?

– garlic bread with homemade garlic butter
– a classic wedge salad with blue cheese dressing
– roasted carrots or another simple vegetable side