Turkey Porcupines
Turkey Porcupines are flavorful meatballs with rice, seasoned with onion soup mix, simmered in a savory tomato sauce—perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground turkey, washed rice, onion soup mix, and pepper in a bowl.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in oil, turning frequently, until lightly browned.
- Pour tomato sauce and water into a large pan.
- Add the meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes until cooked.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating minced garlic or herbs like parsley or oregano into the meat mixture. If you don't have Lipton onion soup mix, you can substitute it with a mix of dried onion flakes and bouillon powder. You can also use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey. For a healthier option, consider using brown rice instead of white rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Turkey Porcupines over a bed of cooked rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pair well as a side dish. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside crusty bread. This dish also pairs beautifully with Fresh Apple-Turkey Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish for about 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Porcupines contains roughly 1770 calories, with 25g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 117g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (49% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1973mg per serving (86% 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 pre-cooked rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked rice. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time as pre-cooked rice requires less time to heat through. Add it to the meat mixture and form meatballs, then simmer for a shorter time to avoid overcooking.
What can I serve with Turkey Porcupines?
Turkey Porcupines go well with a variety of sides. You can serve them with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or over pasta. For a comforting meal, consider pairing it with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Can I freeze Turkey Porcupines?
Absolutely! Turkey Porcupines freeze well. Allow them to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers or freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stove.
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).