This slow cooker 5-ingredient Amish porcupine meatball recipe is the kind of no-fuss, hearty family dinner that quietly becomes “the one everyone asks for.” The name “porcupine” comes from the way the uncooked rice swells and sticks out of the meatballs as they cook, mimicking little quills. Versions of this dish have circulated through Amish and Midwestern church cookbooks for decades because it uses pantry staples, stretches a pound or two of ground beef into a generous meal, and lets the slow cooker do all the work. Here we mix uncooked rice directly into the raw ground beef, add three savory supporting ingredients, and tuck everything into the slow cooker for an easy, comforting supper.
Serve these Amish porcupine meatballs right in their savory tomato-onion gravy over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or simple steamed white rice for a double-comfort effect. A crisp green side salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a plate of steamed green beans or peas balances the richness nicely. Warm dinner rolls or a crusty loaf of bread are perfect for soaking up every bit of sauce, and if you like, a spoonful of tangy coleslaw on the side keeps the whole plate feeling bright and homey.
🧾 Ingredients
- 1 lb extra lean ground beef (95%) – or half beef + half ground chicken/turkey
- 1 cup cauliflower rice (or ½ cup uncooked white rice)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) low-sugar tomato sauce
- ½ cup water
👩🍳 Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground beef (or beef + chicken), cauliflower rice, and onion.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs.
- Place the meatballs in a saucepan or deep pan.
- Pour tomato sauce and water over the meatballs.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes, until meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
🔢 WW Points (approx.)
- Whole recipe: ~20 points
- 4 servings → ~5 points per serving ✅
💡 Tips
- Use all chicken or turkey to reduce points to 3–4 per serving
- Skip oil completely; optionally use a spray
- Add spices like garlic, paprika, or oregano for more flavor without adding points