Meatball Porcupines
Meatball Porcupines are savory, oven-baked meatballs with a flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. The tender meatballs, combined with seasoned rice and rich sauce, offer a comforting, hearty dish that pairs well with pasta or your favorite side.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix thoroughly the ground beef, uncooked long grain rice, 1/3 cup water, chopped onion, salt, celery salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Shape the mixture into well-rounded tablespoon-sized meatballs and place them in an ungreased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Stir together the tomato sauce and 1 cup water; pour over the meatballs.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve hot, optionally with pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. If you don't have long grain rice, instant rice can be a quick alternative. Mixing in some chopped bell peppers can enhance the dish’s taste. Make sure to mix the ingredients well to ensure even cooking—this helps the meatballs hold their shape. For extra moisture, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatball porcupines hot over a bed of pasta for a hearty meal. They also pair beautifully with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete dinner. For a comforting twist, consider serving with mashed potatoes or alongside a warm bowl of Best Homemade Chili for a cozy family meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatball Porcupines contains roughly 159 calories, with 4g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1416mg per serving (62% 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 meatball porcupines?
Yes, you can freeze the meatball porcupines after baking. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you don’t have tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute. You may want to add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity, or mix in some tomato paste for a richer flavor. Adjust the water accordingly to maintain the desired consistency.
How can I make these meatballs spicier?
To add a kick to the meatball porcupines, incorporate red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños into the meat mixture. You can also use a spicy tomato sauce or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce before pouring it over the meatballs. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to balance the heat.
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).