Porcupine Sausage Balls
Porcupine Sausage Balls are hearty, flavorful bites featuring sausage coated with rice, baked in a rich tomato sauce—perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a frying pan and brown the chopped onion in it.
- Add chopped green pepper, canned tomatoes, sugar, and salt to the pan.
- Cook until the green pepper is tender.
- Make the sausage into small balls and roll them in uncooked rice.
- Place the sausage balls in a greased baking casserole.
- Pour the tomato mixture over the sausage balls.
- Cover the baking dish and bake in a 350°F oven for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like oregano or basil into the tomato mixture. You can substitute the bulk sausage with ground turkey for a leaner option, or use flavored sausage for an extra kick. If you're short on time, precooked rice can be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid mushy rice.
Serving Suggestions
These Porcupine Sausage Balls are delicious served with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad. They pair beautifully with dishes like Sausage Breakfast Quiche for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving them alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the sausage balls in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quick option, but be careful not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Porcupine Sausage Balls contains roughly 1603 calories, with 8g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 155g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 600mg 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 Porcupine Sausage Balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage balls and the tomato mixture a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking. This will save you time on busy days and allow the flavors to meld together nicely.
What other types of meat can I use in this recipe?
While the recipe calls for bulk pork sausage, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or beef as alternatives. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as leaner meats may require less time to cook through.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Allow the sausage balls to cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer before transferring to an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes.
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).