Porcupine Meatballs In Chili Sauce
Porcupine Meatballs in Chili Sauce offers hearty, flavorful meatballs infused with rice and herbs, simmered in a spicy tomato-based chili sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering, this dish combines savory, tangy, and mildly spicy notes for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground chuck ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Minute rice ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 can tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 3 tablespoons oregano ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (optional) ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground chuck, rice, chopped onion, and chopped bell pepper in a bowl.
- Form the mixture into small to medium-sized meatballs.
- In a large saucepan, combine tomato juice, chili powder, oregano, garlic salt, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce (if using), pepper, and ground cumin (if using).
- Bring the chili sauce to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs to the boiling chili sauce.
- Cook for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Simmer for an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally if needed.
- Serve hot, optionally over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding diced jalapeños for extra heat or swapping out the ground chuck for ground turkey for a lighter option. If you have leftover rice, it can be used instead of Minute rice. To enhance the sauce, a splash of Bloody Mary Mix can add a unique depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the porcupine meatballs hot, optionally over rice for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with a side of Cole Porter'S Three Fruit Cole Slaw for added crunch and freshness. You can also enjoy them in a sub sandwich for a delicious twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, ensuring they’re heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Porcupine Meatballs In Chili Sauce contains roughly 501 calories, with 21g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (212% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 598mg per serving (26% 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 make these meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time. Form them and place them on a baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes it convenient for a quick dinner.
What can I use instead of tomato juice?
If you don't have tomato juice, you can substitute it with crushed tomatoes or a mixture of tomato paste and water. Adjust the seasoning as necessary to maintain the desired flavor profile.
Are there any low-carb options for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the Minute rice with cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb. Additionally, using leaner meat like ground turkey or chicken can further reduce fat content while keeping the flavors intact.
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).