Savory Porcupine Meatballs Recipe

Porcupine Meatballs are a classic comfort food dish that combines savory meatballs with a unique addition of rice, which pokes out like “quills” once cooked, hence the name. This recipe, ideal for a quick and satisfying meal, offers a delightful blend of ground beef, rice, and flavorful seasonings.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/4 cup uncooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup green pepper, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 egg
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed tomato soup, divided
• 1/4 cup water

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 253.6
• Fat: 15.2g
  • Saturated Fat: 5.5g
• Cholesterol: 90.7mg
• Sodium: 783.4mg
• Carbohydrates: 11.2g
  • Fiber: 0.3g
  • Sugars: 0.8g
• Protein: 17g

Instructions:

1. Prepare Meatball Mixture:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, finely chopped onion and green pepper, salt, pepper, and the egg.

2. Shape Meatballs:

   • Shape the mixture into meatballs of uniform size, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

3. Brown Meatballs:

   • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the meatballs over medium-high heat until they are evenly browned on all sides. This step helps to develop flavor and texture.

4. Prepare Sauce:

   • In a separate bowl, mix together half of the condensed tomato soup with 1/4 cup of water. This will be the sauce that cooks the meatballs.

5. Simmer Meatballs:

   • Pour the tomato soup mixture over the browned meatballs in the skillet.
   • Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
   • Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for about 30-40 minutes, or until the rice inside the meatballs is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.

6. Serve:

   • Once cooked, serve the porcupine meatballs hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. They pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips for Success:

• Meatball Consistency: Ensure the meatball mixture is well combined but not overworked to maintain a tender texture.
• Cooking Time: Adjust cooking time based on the size of your meatballs and the heat level to ensure the rice cooks thoroughly.
• Flavor Variation: You can add additional seasonings like garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, or herbs like thyme or parsley to enhance the flavor profile.

This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or gathering, offering a hearty and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the comforting flavors of these porcupine meatballs and savor the nostalgia of a classic homemade meal.