Porkie Pine Balls
Porkie Pine Balls are hearty, savory meatballs with rice and cabbage, simmered in rich tomato puree—perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix hamburger, chopped onion, egg, rice, cabbage, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into balls and place them in a large pan.
- Cover the meatballs with tomato puree.
- Cook over medium heat for 1 hour, until thoroughly cooked and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting ground turkey for the hamburger or adding spices like garlic powder or paprika. If you're short on time, using pre-cooked rice can speed up the process. To ensure even cooking, make meatballs of uniform size. For a twist, try incorporating grated carrots or bell peppers into the mixture for extra nutrition and sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Porkie Pine Balls over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. They pair beautifully with Saucy Skillet Potatoes for a hearty dinner. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Porkie Pine Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra tomato puree to keep them moist. You can also microwave them, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Porkie Pine Balls contains roughly 183 calories, with 5g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2187mg per serving (95% 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 Porkie Pine Balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and shape the balls a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld and can save time on busy nights.
What can I use instead of tomato puree?
If you don't have tomato puree on hand, crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce can be used as a substitute. Just be mindful that crushed tomatoes will result in a chunkier texture, while tomato sauce will yield a smoother consistency.
Can I freeze Porkie Pine Balls?
Absolutely! You can freeze uncooked meatballs or cooked ones. For uncooked meatballs, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cooked meatballs can be stored in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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).