Aunt Becky’s Porcupine Meatballs

🦔 Aunt Becky’s Porcupine Meatballs 🍽️

Aunt Becky’s Porcupine Meatballs are a classic and delicious dish made with ground beef or a mixture of ground beef and pork, combined with rice and various seasonings. These meatballs are called “porcupine” meatballs because when they cook, the rice sticks out of the meat mixture, resembling the spines of a porcupine.

History:
The exact origin of porcupine meatballs is a bit unclear, but it is believed to be a classic American dish that gained popularity in the mid-20th century. The name likely comes from the rice grains that poke out of the meatballs, resembling porcupine quills. It’s a comforting, homey dish that has stood the test of time.

Components:
To make Aunt Becky’s Porcupine Meatballs, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (or a combination of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Steps to Prepare:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, uncooked rice, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, egg, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined.

2. Shape the mixture into meatballs, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs, depending on their size.

3. In a large skillet or a Dutch oven, combine the tomato sauce, water, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring it to a simmer.

4. Gently add the meatballs to the simmering tomato sauce. Make sure the sauce covers the meatballs.

5. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 45-50 minutes. During this time, the rice in the meatballs will absorb the moisture and expand, creating the porcupine effect.

6. Periodically check the meatballs and give them a gentle stir to ensure even cooking. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a bit more water.

7. Once the meatballs are fully cooked, and the rice is tender, they are ready to serve.

Total Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare Aunt Becky’s Porcupine Meatballs is approximately 1 hour. This includes both the preparation and cooking time.

Enjoy this hearty and nostalgic dish, and feel free to serve it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad. 🍽️😋

🥦 Nutrition Facts and Health Information for Aunt Becky’s Porcupine Meatballs 🍽️

While Aunt Becky’s Porcupine Meatballs are a delicious and comforting dish, it’s important to be mindful of their nutritional content. Here’s some information to help you make informed choices:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values for 1 Serving):

• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 16g

Health Information:

1. Protein Source: Aunt Becky’s Porcupine Meatballs are a good source of protein, with each serving providing about 16 grams. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

2. Caloric Content: One serving contains around 280 calories. While it’s a satisfying meal, be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching your calorie intake.

3. Fat Content: These meatballs have about 16 grams of fat per serving. While some fat is essential for the body, be aware of the saturated and trans fats, which can contribute to heart health concerns. Consider using leaner cuts of meat or reducing fat content if necessary.

4. Carbohydrates: The rice in the meatballs contributes to the carbohydrate content. Each serving has about 18 grams of carbs. Carbohydrates provide energy for your body.

5. Sodium: The dish contains about 650mg of sodium per serving. High sodium intake can be associated with high blood pressure, so if you’re concerned about sodium, consider using low-sodium tomato sauce and adjusting the salt content.

6. Fiber and Vegetables: While this dish contains some vegetables like onions and green bell peppers, it’s not particularly high in fiber. Consider serving it with a side of vegetables to boost your fiber intake.

7. Customization: You can make Aunt Becky’s Porcupine Meatballs healthier by using lean ground meat and brown rice for added nutrients and fiber. Additionally, you can choose low-sodium or no-salt-added tomato sauce to reduce sodium content.

Remember that these values are approximate, and the exact nutritional content can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. It’s essential to balance this meal with a variety of foods and maintain a well-rounded diet for overall health.🍽️🥦