Porcupine Meatballs Recipe

 

Porcupine Meatballs Recipe

These Porcupine Meatballs are a classic comfort food recipe that is easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce creates a flavorful, tender, and juicy meatball that serves as an excellent presentation when served over pasta, rice, or as a sub sandwich. The "porcupine" literally refers to the rice that sticks out of the meatballs, giving them a prickly appearance. This is a people-pleaser recipe that you can prepare as you like.

 

Why You'll Love This

You'll love this porcupine meatball recipe because it's easy and affordable to serve a big crowd. The meatballs are tender and full of flavor, and the tomato sauce has a rich and zesty flavor. And, you can serve them on top of several sides, such as pasta, rice, or bread, which makes it an excellent meal choice.

 

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Servings: 4-6 people

Difficulty Level: Easy

Ingredients

·       1 pound ground beef

·       1/2 cup of cooked rice

·       1/4 cup of onion, chopped.

·       1/4 cup bell pepper, chopped.

·       2 cloves garlic, minced.

·       1 egg

·       1/2 cup tomato sauce

·       1 teaspoon dried oregano

·       1/2 teaspoon salt

·       1/4 teaspoon black pepper

·       1 cup beef broth

Tools

·       Large bowl

·       Mixing spoon

·       Baking sheet

·       Oven

·       Saucepan

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir with your hands until just combined.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

1. Using your hands, shape the meat mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

1. Oven-bake the meatballs at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked.

Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

1. In a saucepan, place the tomato sauce, beef broth, and dried oregano. Heat the sauce to a simmer.

Step 5: Simmer the Meatballs

1. Place the oven-baked meatballs in the tomato sauce and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the meatballs are coated with sauce.

Approximate Macronutrient Breakdown (per serving)

v  Calories: 350-400

v  Protein: 25-30g

v  Fat: 20-25g

v  Carbohydrates: 15-20g

 

Serve the Porcupine Meatballs over rice, pasta, or as a sub sandwich. You can also modify the recipe to your liking by adding different herbs or spices.

Tips and Variations

·       Employ freshly cooked rice to help bind the meat mixture together.

·       Add chopped bacon or diced ham with the meat mixture for added flavor.

·       Use other types of ground meat, such as turkey or pork, instead of ground beef for a different taste.

·       Serve the meatballs with steamed vegetables or green salad to make a balanced meal.

Tips and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use raw rice instead of cooked rice?

No, you have to use cooked rice because it will stick the meat mixture together better.

2. Can I freeze meatballs?

Yes, you may freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat when desired.

3. How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Handle the meat mixture gently and do not overmix.

4. May I use substitute ground meats?

Yes, you may substitute the ground meat with other ground meats, such as pork or turkey, for a different flavor.

5. How do I serve the meatballs?

Serve the meatballs on top of pasta, rice, or as a sub sandwich. You can also serve them with steamed vegetables alongside or a green salad.

6. Can I make the meatballs ahead?

Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead and store them in the fridge or freezer for later use.