Porcupine Meatballs
Porcupine Meatballs are a classic American comfort food, typically made from ground beef mixed with uncooked rice, which pokes out like quills when cooked. They are usually simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce, creating a hearty, one-pot meal. The dish is a staple of home cooking, particularly in the Midwest and Southern United States.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This is a high-protein dish from the meat, with a significant carbohydrate component from the rice, making it quite filling. It provides iron and B vitamins from the beef, and the calorie count is moderately high, generally ranging from 350 to 500 calories per serving depending on the sauce and meat fat content.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 35 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Potassium | 400 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.8 mcg |
| Zinc | 4.2 mg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 5.5 mg |
| Selenium | 18 mcg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.4 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The 'porcupine' name is purely visual, stemming from the rice grains that resemble spines after cooking. Nutritionally, it's an efficient way to extend a pound of meat into a larger, more balanced meal by incorporating a staple grain directly into the patty.
