There’s just something irresistibly comforting about porcupine meatballs! This dish has been a family favorite of mine for years, and it never fails to deliver warmth and satisfaction. The combination of hearty ground beef and tender rice creates a flavorful meatball that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, the simplicity of this recipe means that even on the busiest nights, I can whip up a wholesome meal that everyone will love. Trust me, once you try these porcupine meatballs, they’ll become a go-to in your kitchen too! They’re easy to prepare and make for a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef (this is your hearty base!)
- 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice (the secret to that porcupine texture!)
- 1/4 cup chopped onion (for that aromatic kick)
- 1/4 cup milk (adds creaminess and binds everything together)
- 1 egg (this helps the meatballs hold their shape)
- 1 teaspoon salt (a must for flavor!)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (just the right amount of spice)
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce (for that luscious, tangy topping)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (adds a depth of flavor you won’t want to skip!)
How to Prepare Porcupine Meatballs
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your meatballs cook evenly and get that nice, delicious texture we all love. So, while you’re mixing things up, the oven will be warming up, ready to work its magic!
Combine Ingredients
Now, grab a big mixing bowl and toss in your ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, milk, egg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t be afraid to get in there! You want all those flavors to meld beautifully.
Form Meatballs
Next, it’s time to form your mixture into meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter—this size is perfect for even cooking. Roll them gently between your palms, and make sure they’re uniform. This way, they’ll all cook at the same rate, so you won’t end up with some that are perfectly done and others that are still a bit raw.
Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together your tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce. This combination is where the magic happens! The Worcestershire adds a richness that takes your sauce to another level. Stir it well until it’s nicely blended.
Bake the Meatballs
Now, place your formed meatballs in a baking dish, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Pour the sauce mixture over the top, making sure each meatball is generously coated. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 1 hour. You’ll know they’re done when they’re cooked through and the kitchen smells amazing!
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the soaking: If you have time, let the rice soak in the milk for about 15 minutes before mixing. This helps it cook perfectly in the meatballs!
- Keep the meatballs uniform: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to measure out the meatballs. Uniform size means even cooking, so no one gets a surprise raw center!
- Check for doneness: If you’re unsure whether the meatballs are fully cooked, you can use a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the meat mixture for extra flavor—garlic powder or Italian seasoning work wonders!
- Let them rest: After baking, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps them moist!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, porcupine meatballs are not just delicious, they’re also fairly balanced! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving (1 meatball):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes, but this gives you a great starting point to enjoy your hearty meal without too much guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I make porcupine meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover them well and bake them the next day when you’re ready for a delicious meal!
What should I serve with porcupine meatballs?
These meatballs are super versatile! They’re fantastic over a bed of spaghetti with extra tomato sauce, or you can serve them in a sub roll for a hearty meatball sandwich. A side of garlic bread and a fresh salad would round out the meal beautifully!
Can I use a different type of meat?
Definitely! While ground beef is traditional, you can swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftover porcupine meatballs (which is rare, trust me!), let them cool completely and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months if you want to enjoy them later!
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
No worries! If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce as a substitute. It will give a nice umami flavor, or you can simply skip it and still have a delicious dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
- Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of ground beef and rice creates a rich, hearty flavor that’s sure to satisfy any hunger.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love porcupine meatballs! They’re a hit at the dinner table, making them perfect for family meals.
- Versatile: Serve them over spaghetti, in a sub roll, or as part of a cozy dinner plate with sides. They adapt to whatever you’re in the mood for!
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and relatively low in calories, these meatballs offer a balanced meal without sacrificing taste.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up in advance and store them for an easy weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious porcupine meatballs is super simple, and I promise they’ll taste just as good the next day! If you have any leftovers (which might be a challenge, honestly!), let the meatballs cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Now, if you want to enjoy them even later, you can freeze them! Just place the cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, just thaw them in the fridge overnight.
For reheating, I recommend warming them up in the oven to keep that lovely texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the meatballs in a baking dish. Cover them with foil to prevent drying out and heat for about 20 minutes or until they’re warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for a quicker option—just pop them in for about 1-2 minutes, checking to ensure they’re hot all the way through.
And there you go! Easy storage and reheating tips to ensure you can savor your porcupine meatballs again and again!
Z nadrukami
Porcupine Meatballs: 7 Comforting Reasons to Love Them
- Całkowity Czas: 75 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Niskokaloryczne
Opis
Porcupine meatballs are flavorful meatballs made with rice and ground meat. They are easy to prepare and make for a hearty meal.
Składniki
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, rice, onion, milk, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the ingredients until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the meatballs in a baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
- Bake for 1 hour or until meatballs are cooked through.
Uwagi
- Serve with spaghetti or on a sub roll.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 60 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 meatball
- Kalorie: 150
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 7g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 4g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 15g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Słowa kluczowe: porcupine meatballs, meatballs, ground beef, easy recipe
