Ground Beef Porcupines
Ground Beef Porcupines are hearty, comforting meatballs filled with rice, simmered in a savory tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners and satisfying cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, rice, minced onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl; mix well.
- Shape the mixture into 12 balls.
- Brown the meatballs in shortening in a heavy skillet; drain excess fat.
- Add tomato soup and hot water to the skillet.
- Simmer, covered, for 1 1/2 hours or until rice is tender.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding garlic or Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture. If you don't have rice, quinoa or couscous can be excellent substitutes. Be sure to brown the meatballs thoroughly for extra flavor before adding the soup and water. This dish is reminiscent of classic American recipes and is sure to please the whole family.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the porcupines hot with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Mashed potatoes or crusty bread can also complement the dish well, soaking up the delicious tomato sauce. This hearty meal pairs beautifully with Juanita'S Goulash for those looking to explore more comforting flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the porcupines in a skillet with a little water over medium heat, covering to ensure they heat evenly. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish for a few minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ground Beef Porcupines contains roughly 399 calories, with 13g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value) and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1279mg per serving (56% 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 use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook. Be sure to allow for an extra 30 minutes of simmering to ensure the rice is fully tender.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup on hand, you can use crushed tomatoes combined with a little sugar and seasoning to mimic the flavor. Alternatively, a homemade tomato sauce or marinara can also work well in this recipe.
Can I freeze the cooked porcupines?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked porcupines. Let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the skillet or microwave.
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).