My whole family loves them.

Simply Recipes / Coco Morante

Porcupine meatballs have captured the imaginations of my two preschool-aged daughters.

They are truly a sight to behold when you lift the lid off of the skillet.

Overhead view of a cast iron skillet of meatballs with expanded rice on the surface and sauce on a wooden cutting board next to a checkered blue and white towel and wooden spoon

Simply Recipes / Coco Morante

Despite their spiky appearance, these meatballs are soft and tender.

Make a one-skillet dinner out of these meatballs.

I also enjoy them with either a simple green salad or some buttered mixed vegetables.

Overhead closeup view of a cast iron skillet of finished meatballs with expanded rice on the surface and sauce on a wooden cutting board

Simply Recipes / Coco Morante

You might also want some crusty bread or rolls to scoop up the extra sauce.

Simple Tip!

Try making a Porcupine Meatball Sub!

Side view of a cast iron skillet of meatballs with expanded rice on the surface and sauce on a wooden cutting board with half of a meatball being scooped out by a wooden spoon

Simply Recipes / Coco Morante

Layer some hoagies with the meatballs, then melt some cheese on top.

Add cooked peppers for a bit of extra veg.

Theyre certainly easier to make, though.

Overhead view of a white bowl of raw ground beef on a granite countertop

Simply Recipes / Coco Morante

I love the way the veggies add a little texture to the tomato sauce.

Instant Pot Porcupine Meatballs

Want a shortcut for busy weeknights?

Try theseInstant Pot Porcupine Meatballs!

Overhead view of a cast iron skillet on a gas stove after adding onions and celery for Easy Porcupine Meatballs recipe

Simply Recipes / Coco Morante

Stir or use your hands to mix until evenly combined.

Heat the oil and garlic in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat.

Stir in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and water.

Overhead view of a cast iron skillet on a gas stove after adding meatballs for Easy Porcupine Meatballs recipe

Simply Recipes / Coco Morante

you might also roll the meatballs in your handsaim for approximately golf ball-sized meatballs.

Let the sauce come up to a simmer again.

Turn the heat down to low and cover the skillet with a lid or a piece of foil.

Overhead view of a cast iron skillet on a gas stove after simmering the meatballs and showing the expanded rice on the surface for Easy Porcupine Meatballs recipe

Simply Recipes / Coco Morante

Garnish the meatballs with chopped parsley and serve right away.

Store any leftovers in a tightly lidded container, refrigerated, for up to 4 days.

Reheat a serving in the microwave for about 2 minutes, lightly covered to avoid splatters.

easy porcupine meatballs in a skillet

Simply Recipes / Coco Morante

These meatballs freeze well and work beautifully for meal prep, too!

When you’re ready to cook, simmer the meatballs in the sauce and serve.

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