Slow Cooker Amish Porcupine Meatballs 🦔🍽️

A comforting 5-ingredient classic that cooks itself!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• ½ cup uncooked long-grain white rice

• ½ cup water

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed tomato soup

• ½ cup water (for soup mixture)

Optional: ¼ cup chopped onion, ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Form Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine:

   • Ground beef

   • Uncooked rice

   • ½ cup water

   • Salt (and optional onion/pepper)

2. Mix gently until just combined (don’t overwork)

3. Shape into 12-15 meatballs (about 1½ inches in diameter)

Step 2: Prepare Sauce

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together:

   • Tomato soup

   • ½ cup water

2. Pour a thin layer of sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker

Step 3: Assemble

1. Arrange meatballs in a single layer in the slow cooker

2. Pour remaining sauce over the top, making sure meatballs are mostly covered

Step 4: Slow Cook

1. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours

2. The rice will absorb liquid and “poke” out like porcupine quills as it cooks

Step 5: Serve

1. Let rest 10 minutes before serving

2. Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or enjoy as-is

Pro Tips

• Don’t use instant rice – it will get mushy; long-grain holds up best

• The rice continues absorbing liquid even after cooking, so leftovers may be thicker

• For extra richness, add 1 tablespoon butter to sauce

• Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months

• Try cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile

A heartwarming Amish country classic that tastes like it simmered all day (because it did)! 🏡✨