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Instant Pot Porcupine Meatballs

Instant Pot Porcupine Meatballs

This Easy Instant Pot Porcupine Meatballs recipe delivers tender, juicy meatballs cooked together with white rice in a rich, savory tomato sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a comforting, flavorful meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Tomato Sauce and Cooking Liquid

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp ketchup or tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Pinch of salt (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked white rice, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently just until combined to avoid tough meatballs.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter for consistent cooking.
  3. Prepare the Sauce in the Instant Pot: Pour crushed tomatoes, beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt into the Instant Pot. Stir well to combine, making sure the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom.
  4. Add Meatballs and Cook: Place the meatballs carefully on top of the tomato mixture in a single layer. Close the Instant Pot lid, seal the vent, and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
  5. Natural Release and Serve: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release. Gently stir the sauce to mix the cooked rice with the meatballs, then serve warm.

Notes

  • Use uncooked rice to ensure it cooks perfectly alongside the meatballs.
  • Avoid adding too much liquid to prevent mushy rice.
  • Do not overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender and juicy.
  • Handle meatballs gently when placing them in the pot to avoid breaking.
  • Allow natural pressure release to better finish cooking the rice and keep meatballs tender.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, Porcupine Meatballs, one pot meal, quick dinner, comfort food, ground beef recipes, family friendly