Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow-Cooked Porcupine Meatloaf?
It is a comfort food dish made with lean ground beef, instant rice, and a savory tomato salsa blend, cooked slowly in a crock pot until tender.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the cook time for the porcupine meatloaf?
The meatloaf should be cooked on the LOW setting for 7 to 9 hours.
What size crock pot is recommended for this recipe?
A 3 1/2-to-4-quart crock pot is the ideal size for this meatloaf.
What are the primary ingredients for the sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of condensed tomato soup, salsa, and water.
How many calories are in one serving of this meatloaf?
Each serving contains 267 calories.
What type of rice should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of dry uncooked instant rice.
Is there an egg in this meatloaf recipe?
Yes, one lightly beaten egg is used as a binder for the meat mixture.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 23 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
Each serving contains 15 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 13 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to pre-cook the rice before adding it to the beef?
No, the instant rice is added dry and cooks along with the meat.
What seasoning is used for the meat?
The meat is seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and chopped onion.
How much ground beef is required?
You will need 1 1/2 lbs of lean ground beef.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it is tagged as a make-ahead meal and is perfect for meal prep.
How do I prepare the tomato soup mixture?
Whisk together the condensed tomato soup, salsa, and water in a small bowl until smooth.
Should I add any sauce to the meat mixture itself?
Yes, you should mix 1/2 cup of the prepared tomato salsa mixture into the ground beef.
How should I shape the meatloaf?
Shape the beef mixture into a firm loaf that fits comfortably into the base of your crock pot.
Is it necessary to let the meatloaf rest after cooking?
Yes, allowing it to rest for a few minutes after cooking makes it easier to slice.
What type of salsa should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of prepared salsa of your choice.
How much garlic is in the recipe?
The recipe uses one minced garlic clove.
What kind of onion is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
How much Worcestershire sauce is added?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of bottled Worcestershire sauce.
Why is it called 'Porcupine' meatloaf?
It is traditionally called porcupine meatloaf because the rice grains poke out of the meat as they cook, resembling porcupine quills.
How should the finished meatloaf be served?
Slice the meatloaf into 6 portions and top each with a spoonful of the sauce from the crock pot.
What amount of water is added to the sauce?
1/4 cup of room temperature water is added to the soup and salsa.
Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?
The recipe specifically requires instant rice to ensure it cooks through within the timeframe.
Is this recipe considered a main dish?
Yes, it is categorized under 'Meat' and serves as a hearty main course.
What is the amount of salt and pepper used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a family meal and comfort food, making it ideal for a cozy dinner.