Hearty Oven-Baked Porcupine Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
These Hearty Oven-Baked Porcupine Meatballs are the perfect make-ahead meal for busy days or gatherings. Packed with flavor and convenience, these meatballs incorporate rice directly into the mixture, giving them a unique texture that resembles porcupine quills. You can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them for later use, making dinner as simple as pouring a savory tomato sauce over them and popping them in the oven. Ideal for family dinners, buffets, or even camping trips, this dish offers a comforting and hearty option that everyone will love, all without the hassle of skillet-browning.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 1/2 lbs (raw)
rice
1/2 cup (uncooked)
milk
2/3 cup (liquid)
instant minced onion
1 tablespoon (or use 1 medium onion, chopped)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
condensed tomato soup
(10 1/2 ounce) can (canned)
water
3/4 cup (liquid)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Hearty Oven-Baked Porcupine Meatballs?
They are a classic comfort food made with ground beef and uncooked rice, which pokes out like porcupine quills as it cooks.
Why are they called porcupine meatballs?
The name comes from the uncooked rice mixed into the meat; as the meatballs cook, the rice grains expand and poke out, resembling porcupine quills.
Do I need to brown the meatballs in a skillet first?
No, this recipe is designed to be oven-baked without the hassle of skillet-browning, making it a convenient one-pan meal.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture and form them in advance, then store them in the freezer or refrigerator until you are ready to bake.
Are these meatballs freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. You can freeze the prepared meatballs and then simply pour the tomato sauce over them when you are ready to bake.
What kind of rice should I use?
This recipe calls for 1/2 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice.
Can I use fresh onion instead of instant minced onion?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of instant minced onion with 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
What is the base of the sauce?
The savory sauce is made from a combination of condensed tomato soup and water.
How much ground beef is required?
You will need 1 1/2 pounds of raw ground beef for this recipe.
Why is milk added to the meatball mixture?
Milk helps to keep the meatballs moist and tender as they bake in the oven.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, it is ideal for buffets and family dinners because it is easy to prepare in large batches.
Can I take this dish camping?
Yes, the description suggests it is a great option for camping trips due to its hearty nature and simple preparation.
What are the primary seasonings used?
The meat is seasoned with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Do I cook the rice before adding it to the meat?
No, the rice should be uncooked; it will cook perfectly using the moisture from the meat and the tomato sauce during the baking process.
What size of tomato soup can is needed?
The recipe uses one 10 1/2 ounce can of condensed tomato soup.
How much water is added to the sauce?
You should mix the condensed soup with 3/4 cup of water.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
While the recipe specifies ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey if you prefer a leaner option.
How do I serve porcupine meatballs?
They are often served as a main dish alongside mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
What is the texture of these meatballs?
They have a unique, slightly chewy texture thanks to the rice grains integrated throughout the meat.
Is this a kid-friendly meal?
Yes, the mild and savory tomato flavor combined with the fun 'porcupine' look makes it very popular with children.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, the recipe can easily be doubled and baked in a larger casserole dish or two separate pans.
Does this recipe require eggs?
No, this specific recipe uses milk and rice to help bind the meatballs instead of eggs.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
How do I reheat the meatballs?
You can reheat them in the microwave or in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.
Can I use brown rice?
Brown rice can be used, but it requires more liquid and a longer cooking time, so white rice is recommended for best results.
What makes this recipe 'hearty'?
The combination of protein from the beef and carbohydrates from the rice makes it a filling and satisfying meal.
Can I add herbs to the mixture?
Yes, adding dried parsley or oregano can provide additional depth of flavor to the meatballs.
Is the sauce sweet or savory?
The sauce is primarily savory, utilizing the classic flavor of condensed tomato soup.
What is the preparation time like?
Preparation is very quick because you simply mix, roll, and pour the sauce before baking.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes, sprinkling some shredded cheddar or parmesan over the meatballs during the last 10 minutes of baking is a great variation.