Porcupines In Tomato Sauce
Porcupines in tomato sauce are savory meatballs seasoned with herbs and garlic, served in a flavorful tomato sauce—perfect for hearty family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, pork sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, marjoram, Worcestershire sauce, and beaten eggs.
- Shape the mixture into 2-inch meatballs.
- In a large skillet, cook meatballs until browned on all sides; drain on paper towels to remove excess fats.
- Place the cooked meatballs in a 9 x 13-inch deep baking dish.
- Prepare tomato sauce (not provided in the original recipe).
- Pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs and bake until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Italian sausage instead of pork sausage or adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture. If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey can replace the beef and pork. Ensure the rice is thoroughly cooked for the best texture, or use pre-cooked rice to cut down on baking time.
Serving Suggestions
These Porcupines in Tomato Sauce are delightful served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside buttered corn. A fresh side salad or steamed vegetables can balance the meal nicely. For a fun twist, serve with Cheesy Cocktail Meatballs for an appetizer spread or as part of a hearty American recipes dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Porcupines In Tomato Sauce contains roughly 816 calories, with 19g protein, 135g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (40% of the Daily Value), protein (38% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1276mg per serving (55% 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 porcupines ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking. To save time, consider baking them the day before serving, then refrigerate and reheat them in the sauce just before serving.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you want to switch things up, you can use marinara or spaghetti sauce as an alternative to standard tomato sauce. For a creamier option, a mix of cream of mushroom soup and diced tomatoes can add a unique flavor twist.
Can I freeze the porcupines?
Absolutely! These meatballs freeze well. After cooking, allow them to cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or on the stovetop.
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).