I had this crazy idea of making gluten-free meatballs with rice, cooked in tomato sauce all at once. When I opened the pot and saw these porcupine meatballs, I wasn’t quite sure what to think. But they are actually quite delicious, and very fun for both kids and grown-ups alike. Another dish where we get meat, vegetables, and rice all in one pot.
For the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, onion, rice, and parsley and season with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined. Shape the mixture into 8 to 10 meatballs. Place in a single layer in the Instant Pot.
For the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes with their juices, water, oregano, cinnamon, paprika, and cloves and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine and pour over the meatballs.
Secure the lid on the pot. Close the pressure-release valve. Select MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK and set the pot at HIGH pressure for 15 minutes. At the end of the cooking time, allow the pot to sit undisturbed until the pressure has released.
Carefully transfer the meatballs to a serving bowl. Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce directly in the pot until smooth, if desired. Pour the sauce over the meatballs.