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–+ servings

Slow Cooker Amish Porcupine Meatballs

Tender, homestyle meatballs made with seasoned ground beef and rice, slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly comforting. The rice peeks out as they cook, giving these classic Amish-style meatballs their signature “porcupine” look.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 20 minutes
Course Comfort Food, Family Favorites, Main Course, Slow Cooker, Traditional Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 410 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs ground beef 80/20 recommended
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 30 oz tomato sauce 2 cans
  • 1 cup water

Instructions
 

  • Lightly spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Add ground beef, uncooked rice, onion, salt, and pepper directly into the slow cooker and gently mix until evenly combined.
  • Shape mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches wide, and arrange them in the slow cooker.
  • Whisk together tomato sauce and water in a bowl, then pour evenly over the meatballs.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours without lifting the lid during cooking.
  • Check that meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F and the rice is tender and puffed.
  • Taste sauce, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm.

Notes

Serve over mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a heartier meal. A sprinkle of parsley adds fresh color before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcal
Keyword Amish recipe, ground beef dinner, porcupine meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, tomato sauce
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