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
Scale
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.
