Rice-A-Roni Porcupines
Porcupines are flavorful meatballs made with beef Rice-a-Roni, seasoned and simmered in a savory gravy, perfect for a hearty family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine Rice-a-Roni with ground beef and egg in a mixing bowl.
- Shape the mixture into approximately 20 meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides in a skillet.
- Combine the beef seasoning packet with hot water.
- Pour the seasoned water over the browned meatballs.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, thickening the gravy if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding chopped onions or garlic to the meat mixture. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. If you want a bit of spice, mix in some crushed red pepper flakes. For a vegetarian option, use a plant-based ground meat substitute and vegetable broth instead of water.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Rice-A-Roni Porcupines with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Scalloped Potato-Hamburger Casserole for a comforting dinner. For a fun twist, serve them over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the gravy.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Rice-A-Roni Porcupines can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep them moist, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. You can also freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice-A-Roni Porcupines contains roughly 900 calories, with 35g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (70% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 618mg per serving (27% 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 flavor of Rice-a-Roni?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of Rice-a-Roni to create unique variations of this dish. For instance, a chicken flavor can work well, but keep in mind that the seasoning packet will alter the overall taste. Adjust the additional spices accordingly to maintain balance.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
The meatballs should be browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for ground beef. You can use a meat thermometer to check. If you prefer, you can cut one open to ensure it's no longer pink in the center.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and simmer them in the sauce a day in advance. Simply cool them completely before storing in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of water to prevent drying out.
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).