Porcupine Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Porcupine Meatballs in Tomato Sauce are a classic American comfort food where ground beef is mixed with rice and herbs, then simmered in a tangy tomato sauce. The name comes from the rice grains poking out of the meatballs as they cook, resembling porcupine quills. It's a hearty, one-pot style meal popular in home cooking.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a good source of protein and iron from the beef, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates from the rice and sauce. A typical serving provides a balanced mix of macronutrients and key minerals, with a calorie count generally in the 400-500 kcal range.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbs | 35 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 750 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Potassium | 520 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.8 mcg |
| Zinc | 5.2 mg |
| Selenium | 18 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 6 mg |
| Phosphorus | 220 mg |
Per 1 serving (about 3 meatballs with sauce, 240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The dish is a clever example of culinary stretching, using rice to extend the meat and create a unique texture. Nutritionally, the combination of heme iron from beef and vitamin C from the tomato sauce can enhance iron absorption.
