Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs: Easy & Flavorful Comfort Food

Crock Pot Porcupine Meatballs Recipe

Description

Indulge in a comforting and hearty meal with these Crock Pot Porcupine Meatballs. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade dinner with minimal effort. The succulent meatballs, infused with the flavors of green bell peppers, scallions, and a touch of ground pepper, cook slowly in your crock pot, resulting in a dish that’s bursting with savory goodness. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a leisurely cook time of 8 hours, you can set it and forget it, letting the slow cooker do all the work. Serve these delightful porcupine meatballs over rice or pasta for a complete meal that’s sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: 1 1/2 pounds
• Raw rice: 1/2 cup
• Scallion: 1/2 cup, finely chopped
• Green bell pepper: 1/2 cup, finely chopped
• Egg: 1 large
• Ground pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
• Condensed tomato soup: 2 cans

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 502.9
• Fat Content: 19.3g
• Saturated Fat Content: 7.8g
• Cholesterol Content: 163.4mg
• Sodium Content: 974.3mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 41.3g
• Fiber Content: 3.1g
• Sugar Content: 13.2g
• Protein Content: 40g

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef, 1/2 cup of raw rice, 1/2 cup of finely chopped scallion, 1/2 cup of finely chopped green bell pepper, 1 large egg, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

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2. Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the meat mixture into 24 meatballs, each about 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Ensure they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.

3. Place Meatballs in Crock Pot: Carefully place the meatballs in the bottom of your crock pot, arranging them in a single layer if possible.

4. Add the Sauce: Pour 2 cans of condensed tomato soup over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated.

5. Cook the Meatballs: Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to the LOW setting. Allow the meatballs to cook for 7-8 hours, until they are fully cooked and tender.

6. Serve: Once the meatballs are done, carefully remove them from the crock pot. Serve hot over a bed of rice or pasta, garnished with additional scallions or parsley if desired.

Serving Suggestions

These Crock Pot Porcupine Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some serving ideas to elevate your dining experience:

• Rice: Serve the meatballs over steamed white or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Pasta: Pair with cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, for a hearty and satisfying dish.
• Vegetables: Complement the meatballs with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, like broccoli, carrots, or green beans.
• Bread: Accompany with a slice of crusty bread or garlic bread to mop up the delicious sauce.

Tips and Variations

• Meat Selection: For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Rice Alternatives: Experiment with different types of rice, such as jasmine, basmati, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
• Additional Vegetables: Add extra vegetables to the meatball mixture or the sauce. Diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms can enhance the flavor and nutritional value.
• Spice it Up: If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture or sauce.
• Cheese Lovers: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the meatballs during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Recipe Insights

The charm of this Crock Pot Porcupine Meatballs recipe lies in its simplicity and the deep, rich flavors that develop over the long cooking time. The name “porcupine” comes from the rice sticking out of the meatballs, resembling a porcupine’s quills, which adds a fun and unique texture to the dish. This recipe is not only a fantastic option for family dinners but also works well for meal prepping. The meatballs can be made ahead of time and frozen, then cooked in the crock pot on a busy day for a quick and easy meal.

With a 4.5-star rating from three reviews, this recipe has proven to be a hit among those who’ve tried it, earning praise for its delicious taste and the convenience of using a slow cooker. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, these porcupine meatballs are sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the delightful combination of savory beef, tender rice, and vibrant vegetables in every bite.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Porcupine Meatballs offer a delightful culinary experience that marries convenience with mouthwatering flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re entertaining guests, this dish ensures that you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious meal. The ease of preparation and the flexibility to customize the ingredients make it a versatile recipe that caters to various dietary preferences and tastes. Dive into this comforting dish and savor the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal that warms both the heart and the soul.