Laura Osgood Bean'S Porcupine Meatballs
Porcupine meatballs feature seasoned ground beef and rice baked in a savory tomato sauce, offering hearty comfort with simple ingredients perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the ground beef, rice, salt, pepper, and chopped onion in a bowl.
- Form the mixture into meatballs.
- Mix the tomato soup and water in a pressure saucepan or other covered pan.
- Drop the meatballs into the tomato soup mixture.
- Cook under pressure for 10 minutes or bake in a covered pan at 350°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some minced garlic or Italian herbs with the meatball mixture. If you don't have rice on hand, you can substitute quinoa or couscous. To enhance the sauce, try adding Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of sugar to balance acidity. This recipe is similar to American recipes like Blue Plate Meat Loaf, where comfort food shines.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the porcupine meatballs over a bed of cooked rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious tomato sauce. Pair them with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. These meatballs also make a great filling for a meatball sub sandwich or as part of a hearty meal like 5 Bean Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of additional tomato soup to keep them moist. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw and reheat when ready to serve.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Laura Osgood Bean'S Porcupine Meatballs contains roughly 349 calories, with 16g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (83% of the Daily Value) and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2128mg per serving (93% 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 these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and freeze them before cooking. Just form the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.
What if I don't have a pressure cooker?
No problem! You can bake the meatballs in a covered pan at 350°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Just ensure the sauce is bubbling and the meatballs are cooked through. This method allows for an easy one-pan meal without a pressure cooker.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that turkey may require additional seasoning to enhance flavor, so consider adding extra spices or herbs to the mixture to compensate for the milder taste.
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).