Pickly Porcupines
Pickly Porcupines are savory meatballs flavored with herbs, baked in tomato juice for a comforting, family-friendly dish perfect for cozy dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Mix ground turkey, uncooked rice, egg, salt, pepper, chopped onion, and thyme together.
- Shape the mixture into balls.
- Brown the meatballs in the oven for 15 minutes.
- Pour 2 cups of tomato juice over the meatballs.
- Bake in the oven at 325°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use a lean ground turkey to keep the meatballs moist. If you’re short on time, swap the uncooked rice for instant rice, which cooks faster. You can also substitute the tomato juice with a homemade sauce or even broth for a different flavor profile. Adding grated parmesan to the mixture can enhance the taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pickly Porcupines with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. They also pair well with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the tomato juice. For a fun twist, consider serving them alongside a scoop of Frozen Yogurt Pie for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Pickly Porcupines in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them on a plate, covered, for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pickly Porcupines contains roughly 648 calories, with 11g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), protein (23% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2375mg per serving (103% 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 use other types of meat instead of ground turkey?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef, chicken, or pork for the ground turkey. Just be aware that different meats may alter the flavor and cooking time slightly. Ground beef may require more seasoning, while chicken is typically milder.
Is it possible to make these meatballs ahead of time?
You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs and bake them directly from frozen, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
What can I do if the meatballs are too dry?
If your meatballs turn out dry, it’s likely due to overcooking or not enough moisture in the mixture. You can add a little more tomato juice or broth to the sauce when baking, or mix in a bit of olive oil to the meat mixture before forming the balls.
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).