Savory Porcupine Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
A cherished family recipe that brings back fond memories of childhood, these Savory Porcupine Meatballs are a delightful combination of tender beef, fluffy rice, and aromatic seasonings, all simmered in a rich, tangy tomato sauce. Whether you choose to use lean ground beef or ground turkey, these meatballs provide a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. The rice cooks right in the sauce, creating a unique texture that makes these meatballs truly special—perfect for serving over a bed of noodles or alongside crusty bread.
6-8
Servings
169
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 1/2 lbs (ground)
rice
1/2 cup (uncooked)
medium onion
1 (finely chopped)
egg
1 (beaten)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
black pepper
to taste
chili powder
1/4 teaspoon
Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon
tomato soup
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can
tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can
water
2 1/2 cups
Instructions
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
16g
Carbs
11g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Porcupine Meatballs?
They are a combination of tender beef or turkey, rice, and seasonings simmered in a rich tomato sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes between 6 to 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 169 calories.
Can I use a meat other than ground beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey as a lean alternative to ground beef.
Do I need to cook the rice before adding it to the meat?
No, the rice is added uncooked and cooks right in the sauce.
How much ground beef is required?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of lean ground beef.
What makes the sauce tangy?
The sauce is a combination of tomato soup, tomato sauce, and water, which creates a rich and tangy flavor profile.
What should I serve with Porcupine Meatballs?
They are perfect for serving over a bed of noodles or alongside crusty bread.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 6 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 16 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 11 grams of protein per serving.
What type of onion should I use?
Use one medium onion, finely chopped.
What seasonings are used in the meatballs?
The seasonings include salt, black pepper, chili powder, and Italian seasoning.
How much rice is needed for the recipe?
You will need 1/2 cup of uncooked rice.
What is the purpose of the egg?
One beaten egg is used as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
How much water is added to the sauce?
The recipe requires 2.5 cups of water.
What size can of tomato soup is needed?
You need one 10.5 ounce can of tomato soup.
What size can of tomato sauce is used?
The recipe uses one 8 ounce can of tomato sauce.
How much chili powder is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder.
How much Italian seasoning should I add?
Use 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
Is this recipe considered a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is described as a cherished family recipe that is comforting and satisfying for the whole family.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe is categorized under Meat.
What texture does the rice add?
The rice creates a unique, fluffy texture inside the meatballs.
How much salt is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Are there any tags for this recipe?
Tags include meatballs, comfort food, beef, and dinner.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it involves simple preparation with 11 ingredients simmered together.
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes, ground turkey is mentioned as a suitable substitute for ground beef.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Fiber information is not specified for this recipe.
Is the rice cooked in the sauce?
Yes, the rice cooks right in the sauce which makes the meatballs special.
Why is it called a porcupine meatball?
Though not explicitly in the ingredients, the name typically refers to the way the rice pokes out of the meatballs like porcupine quills.