Oven Meatballs(Porcupines)
Oven-baked meatballs with Italian seasoning and rice deliver comforting flavors, ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, paired with rice and a fresh green salad.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine ground beef, uncooked rice, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and chopped onion in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs.
- Place the meatballs in a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Mix tomato soup with water and pour over the meatballs.
- Cover the casserole tightly with a lid or foil.
- Bake for 1 hour, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or grated Parmesan cheese to the meatball mixture. If you want a healthier option, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also substitute cooked quinoa for the rice to increase the nutritional value. For a twist, serve with marinara sauce for dipping, reminiscent of 'Prickly Meat Balls'.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are delicious served over spaghetti or alongside garlic bread. For a complete meal, pair with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. You can also serve them in a sub roll topped with cheese for a hearty sandwich. They pair beautifully with marinara sauce for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, ensuring they stay moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Meatballs(Porcupines) contains roughly 127 calories, with 8g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (156% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1821mg per serving (79% 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 baking?
Yes, you can freeze the shaped meatballs before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can substitute with crushed tomatoes or a homemade tomato sauce. Just add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. You can also use vegetable broth mixed with tomato paste for a different flavor profile.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this. Additionally, they should be firm to the touch and no longer pink inside. If in doubt, cut one open to check.
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).