G.G.'S Porcupine Meatballs
G.G.'s Porcupine Meatballs are hearty, flavorful meatballs cooked in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together ground beef, dry Minute rice, egg, minced onion, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into meatballs about the size of a lime.
- Dilute the tomato soup with chopped stewed tomatoes.
- Place the meatballs and tomato sauce into a pan.
- Cover and simmer gently for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, try using ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter meatball. If you don't have Minute rice, regular rice can work, but be sure to adjust the cooking time and amount of liquid. Adding garlic or Italian herbs can enhance the flavor. Also, consider serving these meatballs with some grated Parmesan cheese or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve G.G.'s Porcupine Meatballs over a bed of cooked pasta or rice to soak up the delicious tomato sauce. A side of garlic bread or a green salad pairs nicely, making it a hearty meal. For a comforting twist, consider serving them with a side of Memaws Chilli for a flavorful combo.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place meatballs in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to keep them moist. They can also be reheated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, ensuring they are heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of G.G.'S Porcupine Meatballs contains roughly 540 calories, with 10g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value) and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2162mg per serving (94% of the Daily Value).
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
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them before cooking. Just ensure to cover them well to prevent drying out. You can also freeze uncooked meatballs and cook them from frozen; just add a little extra cooking time.
What can I substitute for tomato soup?
If you don’t have tomato soup, you can use crushed tomatoes or a homemade tomato sauce. Just be sure to season it well with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. This will still give you a delicious sauce for the meatballs.
Can I add vegetables to the meatball mixture?
Absolutely! Chopped bell peppers, grated carrots, or even spinach can be added to the meatball mixture for extra nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to finely chop or grate them so they blend well with the other ingredients.
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).