Porcupine Meatballs with Rice Pilaf
Porcupine Meatballs with Rice Pilaf is a classic American comfort food dish where ground beef meatballs, studded with rice to resemble porcupine quills, are simmered in a rich, savory tomato-based sauce. The dish typically includes ground beef, long-grain rice, onions, and a blend of herbs, served alongside a fluffy rice pilaf. It's a staple of mid-20th century home cooking, often associated with family-style meals and potlucks.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a balanced meal providing a good source of protein from the beef and complex carbohydrates from the rice. A typical serving offers a mix of B vitamins, iron, and potassium, with a moderate calorie range of approximately 400-500 kcal.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 42 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Iron | 4.2 mg |
| Potassium | 520 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.8 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8.5 mg |
| Zinc | 5.1 mg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Selenium | 22 mcg |
| Manganese | 1.8 mg |
Per 1.5 cups (330 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The name 'porcupine' comes from the rice grains poking out of the meatballs during cooking, creating a quill-like appearance. Nutritionally, the combination of meat and rice creates a complete protein profile, making it a satisfying and historically resourceful one-pot meal.
