Penny'S Porcupine Balls
Penny's Porcupine Balls are savory meatballs made with hamburger, rice, and onions, baked in a flavorful tomato gravy—perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix hamburger, instant rice, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and garlic salt together and form into meatballs.
- Place the meatballs in an 8 x 8-inch baking pan.
- Mix the can of tomato soup with 1 cup water and pour it over the meatballs.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour, until the meatballs are cooked through and the gravy has thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding Italian seasoning or Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. If you don't have instant rice, you can use cooked rice; just reduce the water slightly. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste. For a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes. This recipe can be adapted into a comforting meal soup by adding more broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Penny's Porcupine Balls with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious tomato gravy. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside Aunt Millie'S Ham Loaf or a crispy green salad.
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 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, ensuring they stay moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penny'S Porcupine Balls contains roughly 183 calories, with 5g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (119% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or place them in a sealed container. This makes for a quick dinner option when you're short on time.
Can I freeze the meatballs after cooking?
Absolutely! Once cooked and cooled, you can freeze the meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through.
What can I substitute for tomato soup?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute tomato soup with a can of diced tomatoes or marinara sauce. Just add a bit of water to get the right consistency. This will give a different but equally delicious twist to the dish.
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).