Porcupine Meatballs
Porcupine Meatballs are a nostalgic blend of ground beef, rice, and a tangy tomato sauce, evoking memories of cozy family dinners. This dish, with its playful name derived from the rice grains that mimic porcupine quills, offers a comforting taste enriched by the unique sauce made from V8 juice and tomato paste. It’s a testament to resilience and culinary creativity, serving as a bridge to the past while inviting personal twists.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
45 minutes
Servings
This recipe serves 4.
Ingredients
- Ground beef, 500g (1.1 lbs)
- Uncooked instant rice, 1 cup (8 oz)
- Tomato paste, 2 tablespoons (30ml)
- V8 Juice, 1 cup (8 oz)
- Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon (15ml)
- Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon (5ml)
- Black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml)
- Salt, 1 teaspoon (5ml)
- Cream of mushroom soup, 1 can (10.75 oz or 305g) - *if opting for soup-based sauce*
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and uncooked instant rice. Mix thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, ensuring each holds together well.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs on all sides for a slight crust.
- Mix the tomato paste and V8 Juice in a bowl. If using soup, prepare it at this stage.
- Pour the tomato mixture (or soup) over the browned meatballs in the skillet. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Cover the skillet and simmer for 30-35 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Porcupine Meatballs are a delightful journey back in time, offering a comforting meal that’s both easy to make and satisfying. Perfect for a family dinner or a friendly gathering, these meatballs are sure to impress with their unique texture and rich, tangy sauce. Whether served with mashed potatoes or stuffed into a sub sandwich, they provide a versatile option for any meal.
Nutritional Information (Approx)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g