Slow Cooker Amish Porcupine Meatballs: The Hearty Family Dinner Everyone Asks For

Ingredient Amount Notes
Ground beef 1½ lbs 85/15 works best
Uncooked white rice ½ cup Long-grain or jasmine (not instant)
Onion soup mix 1 (1 oz) packet Dry mix (like Lipton)
Cream of mushroom soup 1 (10.5 oz) can Or cream of chicken
Beef broth 1 cup Low sodium

That’s it. No egg. No breadcrumbs. No complicated steps.


The Method: Mix, Roll, Layer, Cook, Devour

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine:

  • Ground beef

  • Uncooked rice

  • Onion soup mix

Mix gently with your hands until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Roll mixture into 1½-inch meatballs (about 2 tablespoons each). You should get 18-20 meatballs.

Step 3: Layer in Slow Cooker

Place meatballs in your 6-quart slow cooker in a single layer if possible (slightly overlapping is okay).

Step 4: Make the Gravy

In a small bowl, whisk together:

  • Cream of mushroom soup

  • Beef broth

Pour over the meatballs, covering them as much as possible.

Step 5: Cook

Cover and cook on:

  • LOW for 6-8 hours

  • HIGH for 3-4 hours

Step 6: Serve