Hamburg Porcupines
Hamburg Porcupines are hearty meatballs filled with rice and seasoned with a savory tomato-based sauce. The dish offers comforting flavors perfect for family dinners, combining juicy beef with a tangy, slightly spicy sauce that pairs well with vegetables or potatoes for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix 1/4 cup of tomato soup with ground beef, cooked rice, egg, and chopped onion.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and brown them in shortening or oil.
- Blend the remaining tomato soup, water, and mustard together.
- Add the blended sauce to the browned meatballs, cover, and simmer on low heat for 25 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding garlic or herbs like parsley to the meat mixture. If you don’t have rice, quinoa or couscous can work as substitutes. For a healthier version, opt for lean ground turkey instead of beef. To keep your meatballs moist, avoid overmixing the ingredients, which can make them tough, similar to other beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Hamburg Porcupines over a bed of mashed potatoes or with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with a fresh garden salad. For a comforting option, consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish is reminiscent of classic American recipes, making it a family favorite.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them on a microwave-safe plate for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring they are evenly warmed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburg Porcupines contains roughly 1122 calories, with 30g protein, 192g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (59% of the Daily Value), iron (38% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1462mg per serving (64% 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 freeze the meatballs before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding extra cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can use crushed tomatoes or a homemade tomato sauce. Just season it with a bit of sugar, salt, and spices to mimic the flavor of canned soup. This can also enhance the dish's freshness.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
The meatballs are done when they are no longer pink in the center and have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can cut one open to check, or use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
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).