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If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty dish with a nostalgic twist, this Easy Instant Pot Porcupine Meatballs Recipe will quickly become your new favorite weeknight dinner. It combines tender, flavorful meatballs studded with rice, cooked perfectly in a rich tomato sauce with the push of a button, making mealtime incredibly simple without sacrificing any of that home-cooked warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an important role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color to create those classic porcupine meatballs that everyone loves.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides a juicy base that’s hearty but not overly fatty, keeping the meatballs tender.
- 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice: Adds body and absorbs flavors while giving the dish its signature “porcupine” appearance.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion: Offers a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the meat.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth and spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a gentle garlicky undertone that’s never overpowering.
- 1 large egg: Binds the mixture together so the meatballs hold their shape perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Introduces a savory tang that elevates the taste.
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth: Provides moisture for cooking and enriches the sauce with a deep flavor.
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce: Creates the luscious, comforting base sauce that keeps the meatballs tender and luscious.
How to Make Easy Instant Pot Porcupine Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by combining the lean ground beef, uncooked rice, finely chopped onion, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, egg, and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl. Mix gently until everything is just incorporated—overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so be kind to your hands. Once mixed, shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs; you should end up with about 16. This size is perfect for even cooking and bite-sized enjoyment.
Step 2: Set up the Sauce and Meatballs in the Instant Pot
Pour 1 cup of beef broth and the entire can of tomato sauce into the Instant Pot, stirring them together to create a flavorful cooking liquid. Next, gently place the meatballs in a single layer on top of the sauce—this careful arrangement ensures even cooking. Once all meatballs are nestled in, pour the remaining 1/2 cup of broth over them to infuse moisture from above.
Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Secure the Instant Pot’s lid and set the valve to sealing. Program the cooker for high pressure and set the timer for 15 minutes. When the cooking time finishes, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes—this step helps the meatballs finish cooking gently, keeping them tender. Then carefully do a quick release of any leftover pressure before opening the pot.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
With the lid off, you’ll see beautifully cooked meatballs swimming in a luscious tomato sauce enriched by beef broth. These meatballs offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures that delight every bite. Now they’re ready to be plated up with your favorite sides or garnishes to complete the meal.
How to Serve Easy Instant Pot Porcupine Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil brightens up the rich tomato sauce and adds a pop of welcoming green. For a touch of creaminess, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top can elevate the dish even more, adding richness or melty texture that perfectly complements the meatballs.
Side Dishes
Classic mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice are perfect partners for these meatballs, soaking up every bit of the delicious tomato broth. If you want to add some vegetables, a simple side salad or steamed green beans offer fresh contrast that balances the meal and creates a well-rounded dinner plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the meatballs over buttery egg noodles for a pasta twist, or stuff them into sandwich buns with a little extra sauce for a hearty meatball sub. For a fun family dinner, offer toppings like shredded cheese, chopped onions, or pickled peppers so everyone can customize their serving and make it their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (and who wouldn’t want seconds?), simply transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The meatballs stay moist and flavorful, making them easy to enjoy later for a quick and satisfying meal.
Freezing
Portion out the meatballs and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat, preserving that homemade goodness well beyond the initial cooking day.
Reheating
Rewarm the meatballs gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry. Adding a splash of broth or water helps keep the sauce from drying out, ensuring the texture and flavor stay just as irresistible as when fresh.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully in this Easy Instant Pot Porcupine Meatballs Recipe, offering a lighter alternative while still delivering great flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that cooking times remain the same.
Do I need to pre-cook the rice before making the meatballs?
No need to pre-cook the long-grain white rice for this recipe since the pressure cooker cooks it perfectly inside the meatballs. If you decide to use brown rice, it’s best to par-cook it or adjust cooking time and liquid as brown rice takes longer to soften.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
If Worcestershire sauce isn’t on hand, you can substitute it with soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar to add depth and a touch of tang. While it won’t be identical, it still contributes a lovely boost of savory flavor.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can double the ingredients! Just be mindful of your Instant Pot’s capacity. Place meatballs in layers if needed, but try not to overcrowd for even cooking. You might need to increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes for the larger batch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
When you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, this Easy Instant Pot Porcupine Meatballs Recipe is indeed gluten-free. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients fit your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about this Easy Instant Pot Porcupine Meatballs Recipe that warms the heart and fills the belly with ease. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or just craving a cozy homemade meal, these meatballs will become a proud staple in your kitchen. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear from the dinner table—trust me, you’ll want to make them again and again!
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Easy Instant Pot Porcupine Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy Instant Pot Porcupine Meatballs recipe combines juicy ground beef with uncooked rice, onion, and savory seasonings, all simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. The pressure cooking method yields tender, perfectly cooked meatballs in a fraction of the time, making it an ideal hearty meal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Sauce and Broth
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth, divided
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
Instructions
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, egg, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently until all ingredients are thoroughly combined without overworking the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, aiming for about 16 meatballs. Set them aside on a plate ready for cooking.
- Prepare Instant Pot: Pour 1 cup of beef broth and the entire can of tomato sauce into the Instant Pot’s inner pot and stir to combine the liquids evenly.
- Add Meatballs: Gently place the formed meatballs into the sauce inside the Instant Pot in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Add Remaining Broth: Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of beef broth evenly over the top of the meatballs to provide additional moisture during cooking.
- Cook Under Pressure: Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and select the high pressure cooking setting. Set the time to 15 minutes to cook the meatballs through while allowing the rice inside to soften.
- Release Pressure: After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes to finish the cooking process gently. Then, carefully quick release any remaining pressure before opening the lid to avoid splattering.
- Serve: Carefully remove the meatballs with sauce and serve hot over rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter variation, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
- If using brown rice instead of white rice, par-cook it partially before mixing or increase cooking time and add a bit more liquid to ensure it cooks fully.
- To keep this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce alternative.
