Pour tomato soup and these 2 ingredients over raw ground beef into a baking dish for a family dinner that disappears in seconds
This Amish Porcupine Meatballs recipe transforms a handful of simple ingredients into a hearty, comforting meal. Uncooked rice is mixed directly into seasoned ground beef, allowing it to cook inside the meatballs as they bake. As the rice absorbs moisture from both the beef and the tomato sauce, it expands and peeks through the surface, creating the signature “porcupine” appearance while helping thicken the sauce into a rich, savory gravy.
Oven-Baked 4-Ingredient Amish Porcupine Meatballs
Meatball Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef (80–90% lean) | 2 lbs |
| Long-grain white rice, uncooked | 1 cup |
| Salt (optional) | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper (optional) | ½ tsp |
Tomato Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Condensed tomato soup | 21 oz (2 cans) |
| Water | 1½ cups |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Tip: Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs dense instead of tender.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, approximately 1½ inches in diameter. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each one.
Note: You should end up with about 18–24 meatballs depending on size.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed tomato soup and water until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the meatballs, ensuring they are mostly covered.
Tip: The rice needs plenty of moisture during baking to become tender.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes.
Note: Covering the dish helps trap steam, allowing the rice to cook thoroughly inside the meatballs.
Step 5: Finish Baking
Remove the foil and continue baking for 20–25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the rice is tender. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the meatballs rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. During this time, the tomato sauce will thicken slightly into a rich gravy.
Serving Suggestion
Serve these classic meatballs over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or alongside a simple vegetable for a comforting family meal.
