Beef Porcupines(Meatballs)
Juicy beef meatballs simmered in savory gravy, flavored with seasoned rice and herbs, making a hearty and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, Rice a Roni, and beaten egg in a mixing bowl.
- Mix well until ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the mixture into meatballs of desired size.
- Brown the meatballs in a skillet until browned on all sides.
- Combine the seasoning packet from Rice a Roni with 3 cups of hot water.
- Pour the seasoned water over the browned meatballs.
- Cover the skillet and simmer for 30 minutes to cook through and develop flavors.
- Optional: Thicken the gravy if desired before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some minced garlic or chopped onions with the ground beef. If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. To ensure the meatballs stay moist, don’t overmix the ingredients. Also, if you have leftover rice, it can be used instead of Rice a Roni for a homemade twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Beef Porcupines over a bed of mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a comforting meal. Pair with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced plate. They also make great leftovers for lunch. For an extra kick, try drizzling a bit of hot sauce over them before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Beef Porcupines can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist, covering until heated through. They can also be reheated in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Porcupines(Meatballs) contains roughly 221 calories, with 7g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to thicken the gravy?
To thicken the gravy, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce. Allow it to cook for a few more minutes until thickened. Alternatively, you can mash some of the cooked meatballs into the sauce for natural thickening.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).