Oh, let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite comfort foods: porcupine meatballs! The first time I had these little gems, I was at a friend’s house for dinner, and the moment I took a bite, I was hooked. They’re hearty, filling, and just the right amount of savory goodness, all wrapped up in a delightful meatball. The secret isn’t just in the flavor (although they are packed with flavor!), but also in the ease of preparation. Seriously, if you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve got to try porcupine meatballs. The combination of tender beef and fluffy rice baked in a rich tomato sauce is a family favorite in my house, and I can’t wait for you to experience it too!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound ground beef – This will be the star protein of your porcupine meatballs. I recommend going for a nice lean variety for the best texture and flavor.
- 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice – This is what gives the meatballs their « porcupine » look! Make sure it’s uncooked so it can absorb all those delicious juices while baking.
- 1/4 cup chopped onion – A little bit of onion adds a lovely depth of flavor. You can chop it finely or leave it a bit chunkier, depending on your preference.
- 1/4 cup milk – This helps keep the meatballs moist and tender. I like using whole milk, but any kind you have on hand will work.
- 1 egg – This acts as a binder to hold everything together. Plus, it adds a touch of richness!
- 1 teaspoon salt – Essential for bringing out all those savory flavors. You can adjust this if you’re watching your sodium intake.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – A little kick of pepper is perfect to balance the dish. Feel free to add more if you like it spicy!
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce – This is the base for your sauce, and it’s where all the magic happens. I love using a brand with no added sugar for a more natural taste.
- 1 cup water – This dilutes the tomato sauce a bit, helping to create a lovely, flavorful bath for your meatballs while they bake.
How to Prepare Porcupine Meatballs
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your porcupine meatballs cook evenly and come out perfectly tender. No one likes a cold meatball, right?
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Now, grab a large bowl and throw in your ground beef, uncooked long-grain rice, chopped onion, milk, egg, salt, and pepper. It’s like a flavor party in there! Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want all those ingredients to mingle nicely, so don’t be shy!
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to shape the meatballs! I like to scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball about 1 inch in diameter. This size is perfect for cooking through while staying juicy! If you’ve got kids or friends around, this is a fun part to get everyone involved. Just remember to keep them consistent in size for even cooking!
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a baking dish, mix together the tomato sauce and water. This is where the magic happens—this flavorful sauce will keep your meatballs moist as they bake! Just stir it up until it’s well blended, and then nestle those meatballs right into the sauce. Make sure they’re all in there, soaking up that goodness!
Step 5: Bake the Meatballs
Pop those meatballs in the oven and let them bake for about 1 hour. You’ll know they’re done when they’re cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone flocking to the table!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of these delicious porcupine meatballs! While I always encourage enjoying food in moderation, knowing what’s in your meal can be helpful. Here’s the estimated nutritional data per serving (that’s one meatball with sauce):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fiber: 2g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on typical ingredients, so they can vary a bit depending on what you use. But hey, the comfort and joy these meatballs bring to the table are worth every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Hearty and Filling: These porcupine meatballs are packed with beef and rice, making them a satisfying dish that keeps everyone happy and full.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love them! The fun shape and tasty flavors make these meatballs a hit with the whole family.
- Deliciously Savory: Baked in a rich tomato sauce, each bite is bursting with flavor that’ll have you coming back for seconds.
- Versatile: Serve them over spaghetti, rice, or even in a sub for a creative twist. The possibilities are endless!
- Great for Leftovers: These meatballs taste even better the next day! They store well in the fridge and reheat beautifully.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your porcupine meatballs turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my top tips that I’ve gathered over the years:
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Always go for good-quality ground beef. A leaner blend (like 80/20) gives you the best flavor without too much grease. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, and we definitely want them tender and juicy!
- Use Cold Ingredients: Keeping your ingredients cold (especially the ground beef) helps maintain the texture. If your beef is too warm when you mix it, your meatballs can become dense.
- Let Them Rest: After shaping your meatballs, let them rest for about 10-15 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape better during cooking!
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). This guarantees they’re cooked through without being overdone.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add dried herbs like oregano or basil to the beef mixture for an extra layer of flavor. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning can be a game-changer!
- Serve with Style: Presentation matters too! Serve your porcupine meatballs over a bed of spaghetti or rice and garnish with fresh parsley or grated cheese for that extra pop.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making porcupine meatballs that impress everyone at the dinner table. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Variations of Porcupine Meatballs
If you’re anything like me, you love to mix things up in the kitchen! The beauty of porcupine meatballs is their versatility. Here are some fun variations to keep your taste buds excited:
- Different Meats: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even pork! Each meat brings its own unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment until you find your favorite.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. It’ll give your meatballs a delightful spicy twist!
- Herb-Infused: Try mixing in fresh herbs like chopped parsley, basil, or thyme to the beef mixture. These will elevate the flavor and add a fresh burst to each bite.
- Veggie Boost: Sneak in some finely chopped veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots into the meat mixture. This not only adds nutrition but also a lovely texture to your meatballs!
- Cheesy Delight: For a cheesy version, mix in some shredded cheese like mozzarella or cheddar into the meatball mixture. You can also place a small cube of cheese in the center of each meatball for a gooey surprise!
- International Twist: Add a tablespoon of soy sauce and some ginger to create an Asian-inspired version, or mix in taco seasoning for a fun Mexican flair. Serve them with rice or in tacos for a complete meal!
- Sweet and Savory: Incorporate a tablespoon of brown sugar or chopped dried fruits like raisins into the meat mixture for a unique sweet-savory combo that’s sure to please.
These variations can turn your classic porcupine meatballs into a whole new dish, keeping dinner exciting and fresh. So, roll up those sleeves and get creative—your taste buds will thank you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some leftover porcupine meatballs? No problem! Storing them properly makes sure you can enjoy that deliciousness later. Here’s how to keep them fresh and tasty:
- Storing: Allow your porcupine meatballs to cool down to room temperature before storing. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them!
- Freezing: To freeze, place the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer until they’re solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to label it with the date, and they’ll be good for about 2 months!
Now, when it’s time to reheat, here’s what you need to do:
- Reheating in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs in a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil to keep them moist, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. This method keeps them juicy and delicious!
- Reheating in the Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave them! Place the meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Just be careful not to overheat, as they can dry out!
Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or reheated, these porcupine meatballs are sure to satisfy. Enjoy every last bite!
Imprimer
Porcupine Meatballs: 5 Secrets for Ultimate Comfort Food
- Temps Total: 75 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
Porcupine meatballs are a hearty dish made with beef and rice, baked in a savory tomato sauce.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, rice, onion, milk, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- In a baking dish, mix tomato sauce and water.
- Place the meatballs in the sauce.
- Bake for 1 hour, until meatballs are cooked through.
Notes
- Serve with spaghetti or over rice.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezes well for future meals.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 60 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 meatball with sauce
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 4g
- De Sodium: 500mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 6g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 15g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: porcupine meatballs, meatball recipe, beef and rice dish
