Pizza Porcupine Patties
Hearty pizza porcupine patties feature seasoned ground beef, rice, and cheese topped with flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners or comforting weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Reserve 1 cup of the tomato sauce and set aside.
- Mix the remaining tomato sauce, ground beef, rice, chopped chilies, salt, garlic salt, and oregano in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into 6 patties, each about 1/2-inch thick.
- Place the patties in an ungreased 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
- Remove the patties from the oven and drain excess fat.
- Dissolve the instant beef bouillon in boiling water, then stir in the reserved tomato sauce.
- Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the patties.
- Cover the pan and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove from oven, spoon additional tomato sauce over the patties, and sprinkle with shredded pizza cheese.
- Bake uncovered for about 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some Italian seasoning or using ground turkey as a leaner alternative to beef. If you're short on time, you can use quick-cooking rice instead of regular rice, but adjust the water accordingly. Always drain excess fat from the patties to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pizza Porcupine Patties with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. They also pair wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables. For an extra kick, consider serving with a side of your favorite marinara sauce for dipping. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Pizza Porcupine Patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish with a splash of water to keep them moist, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizza Porcupine Patties contains roughly 291 calories, with 10g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (151% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (112% of the Daily Value), and calcium (90% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1303mg per serving (57% 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 a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the pizza cheese with mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blend of your favorites. Just ensure it melts well to achieve that gooey texture on top.
What can I serve with these patties?
These patties are versatile! Pair them with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic knots for a delicious meal. You can also serve them alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a hearty side.
Can I make these patties ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just assemble them up to a day in advance, and then bake them when you're ready. This makes for a quick meal option during busy nights.
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).