Porcupine Meatballs

Ah, Porcupine Meatballs—what’s not to love? The first time I made these for my family, the kitchen filled with aromas that pulled everyone in like a moth to a flame. It’s funny how such a simple dish can create a whirlwind of nostalgia and warmth. My mom always whipped these up on chilly evenings, turning our dining table into a cozy refuge. The best part? The delightful ‘porcupine’ effect—the rice peeks out from the meatballs like little quills, making them not only delicious but visually fun!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Now, let me share why you’ll adore these meatballs. For starters, they combine the hearty flavors of beef with the subtle comfort of rice and spices, creating a bite that feels like a warm hug on the inside. Imagine each mouthful bursting with flavor and texture—the tender beef paired with the satisfying chew of the rice creates an unforgettable experience. Plus, there’s a lovely symphony of tomato sauce simmering away, bringing a tangy sweetness that ties everything together.

This dish also holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those meals that’s incredibly forgiving. Don’t fret if you’re not a pro chef—if a meatball or two fall apart, it doesn’t matter! They’ll still taste phenomenal. And let’s not forget the best part: it’s perfect for meal prep and can easily feed a crowd or serve as comforting leftovers for those busy weekdays.

Key ingredients overview

So what to gather for our porcupine delight? Here’s a look at the stars of our show:

• 1 lb ground beef: Opt for an 80/20 blend for a juicy, flavorful bite. If you’re leaning toward something leaner, feel free to swap in ground turkey!

• 1/2 cup uncooked rice: Regular long-grain white rice works wonders, giving your meatballs that traditional texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, brown rice is a wholesome alternative but requires a bit longer to cook.

• 1/2 cup onion, chopped: This is where the magic begins! Onions add sweetness as they cook down, bringing depth to your dish. If you’re not a fan, skip them and try shallots for a milder flavor.

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: The tomato base is crucial; it’s your sauce and your simmering liquid. Feel free to use a crushed tomato or even a spiced variety to amp up the flavor game.

• 1 cup water: This will help to dilute the sauce, allowing the meatballs to simmer to perfection. You could also use broth for a richer taste.

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: This gives a nice garlicky foundation without the fuss of fresh garlic cutting. If you want a more intense flavor, don’t hesitate to use freshly minced garlic!

• 1 teaspoon salt: Good seasoning always helps harmony in flavors, trust me on this!

• 1/2 teaspoon pepper: A dash of freshness that makes everything pop.

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Ah, the secret weapon for umami! It adds depth and makes the meatball experience a culinary home run.

Preparing Porcupine Meatballs

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the magic of making these meatballs!

1. In a large bowl, toss together the ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Here’s a little secret: I like to use my hands for mixing—it’s the best way to get everything evenly bound together.

2. Once mixed, shape the meat mixture into meatballs. Aim for about 1-2 inches in diameter. Remember, uniformity is key for even cooking!

3. Grab a large skillet and over medium heat, combine your tomato sauce and water. Give it a gentle stir as it warms up.

4. Now for the fun part—nestle those meatballs into the skillet. Be careful not to overcrowd; give them a little room to breathe!

5. Cover the skillet and let it all simmer for about 30-40 minutes. This is where the magic happens: the meatballs will cook through beautifully, and the rice will tenderize.

6. When ready, serve those delightful little bundles warm and watch them disappear!

Best way to enjoy it

Now, how to present your masterpiece? A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only brightens up the dish visually but also adds a touch of freshness. Serve over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or a simple side of steamed veggies for balance. If you have bread on hand, crusty rolls are delightful for mopping up that rich tomato sauce.

Storage and reheating tips

You’ll find these meatballs are excellent for meal prep! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to freeze, just let them cool completely first but know they can happily live in the freezer for 2-3 months. When reheating, I recommend using a skillet with a splash of water and covering it to keep it moist. Keep the heat low, and stir gently until warmed through.

Helpful cooking tips

1. Don’t rush the simmer: This step binds the flavors beautifully. The longer you allow the meatballs to simmer, the richer the taste.

2. Feel free to adapt: Don’t hesitate to play with spices! Italian herbs like oregano or basil could make a delightful addition.

3. Make it a little spicy: If you’re feeling bold, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Recipe variations

Want to shake things up a bit? Try these variations:

• Swap out the beef for ground chicken or turkey for a leaner take.
• Add chopped bell peppers or spinach into the meat mixture for extra veggies.
• Feeling adventurous? A dollop of pesto mixed into the sauce can create an entirely new flavor dimension!

Ingredients list

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup uncooked rice
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions to follow

1. In a bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
2. Shape into meatballs.
3. In a large skillet, heat tomato sauce and water over medium heat.
4. Add meatballs to the skillet.
5. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, until meatballs are cooked and rice is tender.
6. Serve warm.

Your questions answered

1. What can I serve with Porcupine Meatballs?

   • Mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread are excellent companions.

2. Can I use brown rice?

   • Yes, but be mindful that it will need a bit more cooking time.

3. How long can I keep leftovers?

   • Store in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for two to three months.

4. Are these kid-friendly?

   • Absolutely! Kids love them, and they are a great way to sneak in some carbs.

5. What can I do with leftover meatballs?

   • They are fantastic in pasta, on sub rolls, or even in soup!

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! Just think of your kitchen filling with those delicious aromas. So gather your ingredients, roll up those sleeves, and let’s get cooking! Once you try these Porcupine Meatballs, they’ll likely become a cherished favorite at your dinner table too. Don’t hesitate to experiment and share your own twists; after all, cooking is all about creating moments and memories!

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Porcupine Meatballs

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Total Time 55 hrs

Cooking Temp: medium  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 8 Calories: 350

Best Season: any

Description

Porcupine Meatballs combine ground beef, rice, and spices in a delightful tomato sauce, perfect for any cozy dinner.

Key Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• ¹⁄₂ cup uncooked rice (long-grain white or brown rice)
• ¹⁄₂ cup onion, chopped (can substitute with shallots)
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (can also use crushed or spiced variety)
• 1 cup water (or broth for richer taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (can use fresh garlic for more flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (adds umami flavor)

Preparation Steps

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix Ingredients

   In a bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
   Using your hands helps mix evenly.
   Mark as complete

2. Shape Meatballs

   Shape the mixture into meatballs approximately 1-2 inches in diameter.
   Uniform size ensures even cooking.
   Mark as complete

3. Simmer Sauce

   In a large skillet, heat tomato sauce and water over medium heat.
   Stir gently as it warms up.
   Mark as complete

4. Cook Meatballs

   Add meatballs to the skillet carefully, avoiding overcrowding.
   Cover and let simmer for 30-40 minutes.
   Mark as complete

5. Serve

   Once cooked and rice is tender, serve warm.
   Garnish with parsley or serve over mashed potatoes.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 350kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 23g36%

Saturated Fat 9g45%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 80mg27%

Sodium 550mg23%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 24g8%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 3g

Protein 23g46%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 30 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 2 mcg

Thiamin 0.1 mg

Riboflavin 0.1 mg

Niacin 4 mg

Vitamin B6 0.3 mg

Folate 12 mcg

Vitamin B12 2 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.4 mg

Phosphorus 190 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 20 mg

Zinc 5 mg

Selenium 15 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

Manganese 0.3 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

These meatballs store well and are great for meal prep.

Keywords: meatballs, porcupine meatballs, comfort food, dinner, family recipe