Delicious and Easy Turkey Porcupine Meatballs Recipe
Are you tired of serving the same old meatball recipe at your gatherings? Look no further than this delicious and unique turkey porcupine meatballs recipe. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that will impress even the toughest of critics.
The key to these meatballs is using lean ground turkey mixed with Minute Rice, and coating them in a rich tomato sauce. The rice in the meatballs gives them a unique “porcupine” texture that will have your guests asking for more.
Not only is this recipe tasty, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can cook it in a pressure cooker, slow cooker or bake them in a casserole dish. Plus, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try to make it your own.
So, whether you’re hosting a party, looking for an easy weeknight dinner or just want to mix up your usual meal routine, these turkey porcupine meatballs are sure to please. Keep reading for all the details on how to make them perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s time to shake up your regular meatball game and try something new with these turkey porcupine meatballs! Trust me, once you taste these delicious bites, there’s no going back.
First of all, this recipe requires only a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Ground turkey, Minute Rice, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, onion, and a few spices are mixed together to create the perfect porcupine meatballs. It’s a quick and easy recipe that you can whip up for dinner on any weeknight.
But what sets this recipe apart from others is the rice in the meatballs. The rice gives them a unique texture that enhances the flavor and keeps the meatballs juicy. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak some grains into your diet without even thinking twice.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs, this turkey porcupine recipe is right up your alley. Lean ground turkey provides delicious flavor while cutting down on fat and calories. These meatballs are perfect for anyone who wants to eat healthily without sacrificing taste.
And if you’re on-the-go or low on time, this pressure cooker or slow cooker recipe will ensure that you can still enjoy these tasty bites without having to spend hours in the kitchen. You can even store them in the fridge or freezer for later use!
In conclusion, whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a party at home, these turkey porcupine meatballs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With the combination of tender meat and savory rice coated in rich tomato sauce, this dish is sure to impress anyone who tries it. So go ahead and add this recipe to your rotation – you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you need to make Turkey Porcupine Meatballs recipe:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb. lean ground turkey
- 1/2 cup cooked Minute Rice
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup long grain rice
- 1 can (10 oz.) tomato soup or sauce
- 1 can (10 oz.) tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Note that it’s important to use lean ground turkey, which is much healthier than ground beef or pork, and Minute Rice can be used in this recipe because we’ll cook the meatballs for a longer period of time which will ensure that it won’t become overcooked or undesirably chewy.
To add more depth of flavor to the dish, you can also mix half ground beef to half ground turkey or use pork instead of turkey.
Everything else on this ingredient list is fairly common except for the Worcestershire sauce, which adds a savory and slightly tangy flavor to the dish. This ingredient also complements the rich tomato sauce really well.
Make sure you have all these ingredients on hand before starting this recipe as they all play important roles in making your Turkey Porcupine Meatballs taste fantastic!
The Recipe How-To
Let’s get cooking! Making Turkey Porcupine Meatballs is easy and fun. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup Minute Rice
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
Preparing the Meatballs:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F. Then, in a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, ground pork, cooked brown rice, Minute rice, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands to mix everything well.
Next, add in 1/2 cup of water, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Mix everything again until all ingredients are well combined.
Use your hands to roll the mixture into meatballs (about an inch in diameter). This recipe should make around 36 meatballs.
Making the Sauce:
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat up some olive oil over medium heat. Then add in 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion, and cook until the onions are soft.
Next, add in one can (15 oz) of tomato sauce and one can (10 oz) of diced tomato soup. Stir it gently.
Pour the sauce over meatballs in a casserole dish.
Baking it!
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the oven and bake for 45 minutes.
Afterward, remove the foil cover and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the meatballs have browned on top.
Enjoy your flavorful and juicy Turkey Porcupine Meatballs!
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to change up the flavor profile of your turkey porcupine meatballs, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try.
First, instead of using lean ground turkey as the recipe calls for, you can use an equal amount of ground beef or ground pork. This will give the meatballs a different texture and taste. You could also use a mix of half ground beef and half ground turkey for a more complex flavor.
For the rice, you can use any type of long-grain rice that you prefer. Brown rice is a healthier option, but instant rice works just as well if you don’t have time to cook regular rice. Consider using a flavored risotto or wild rice blend to add an extra layer of flavor to your meatballs.
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, soy sauce or coconut aminos make great substitutes. And if you want a spicier meatball, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeno peppers to the meat mixture.
For the tomato sauce, you could substitute with canned diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes or even homemade tomato soup. If you want to enhance the richness of your sauce, add some red wine or balsamic vinegar to it.
Finally, if you want to make these meatballs in a pressure cooker or slow cooker, simply adjust the cooking times accordingly. You could also use this recipe as a base for different meatball dishes by swapping out the tomato sauce for something like BBQ sauce or making smaller bite-sized meatballs for appetizers.
Remember that tinkering with recipes is part of the fun of cooking! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and make this recipe your own unique creation.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have prepared the delicious turkey porcupine meatballs, it is time to serve them with the perfect accompaniments. These meatballs taste great on their own, but they also go well with a variety of sides and dishes.
One classic way to serve turkey porcupine meatballs is with mashed potatoes. The creaminess and richness of the potatoes complement the flavorful meatballs perfectly. You can also serve them with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables, such as carrots or green beans, for a balanced meal.
Another great pairing option for turkey porcupine meatballs is with a fresh mixed salad. The zingy and crunchy salad balances the hearty and savory flavors of the meatballs. You can top your salad with a light vinaigrette or ranch dressing, depending on your preference.
If you’re looking for something more indulgent, try serving the turkey porcupine meatballs over a bed of egg noodles or spaghetti. Toss in some sautéed onions and peppers for extra flavor.
These meatballs are versatile when it comes to pairing, so feel free to experiment with different sides and dishes until you find your favorite combination. Don’t forget to garnish your plates with some fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an added pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make recipe at your next party or family dinner. Your guests will love these flavorful turkey porcupine meatballs, paired perfectly with your favorite side dish!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to making-ahead the turkey porcupine meatballs, you have a few options depending on how much time you have. Firstly, you can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to one day before forming the meatballs and cooking them. This will help you save time, especially if you’re hosting a party and want to focus your attention on other things.
If you have more time to spare, you can go ahead and form the meatballs and cook them, then allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator or up to two months in the freezer. To reheat the meatballs, simply place them in a casserole dish or oven-safe pan, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Another option is to cook the meatballs and rice separately, then combine them and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. To reheat, simply place the rice and meatballs in a large pan with some tomato sauce over medium-high heat until heated through.
To keep your porcupine meatballs from falling apart during storage, make sure they’re completely cooled down before placing them in an airtight container. You can also add some extra tomato sauce on top of each one to keep them moist.
Overall, this recipe is perfect for meal planning and prepping ahead of time so that you can enjoy delicious homemade meatballs throughout the week without having to spend hours in the kitchen every day.
Tips for Perfect Results
When making turkey porcupine meatballs, it’s important to keep in mind that the rice needs to be fully cooked before mixing it with the meat. This step is crucial in order to avoid the meatballs from falling apart while cooking. A good tip to make sure this doesn’t happen is to use Minute Rice or boil the rice beforehand and let it cool down before adding it to the rest of the ingredients.
Additionally, try not to overmix the meat mixture when making the meatballs. Overmixing can result in tough and dense meatballs. Mix until just combined, then form into balls and place them on a greased casserole dish or in a pressure cooker.
Another tip for perfect results is to use lean ground turkey as opposed to ground beef. Ground turkey is lighter and healthier than ground beef, which makes it great for those who are looking for a healthier option. If you prefer a combination of ground beef and turkey, make sure to use at least half lean ground beef and half lean ground turkey for optimal flavor and texture.
It’s also recommended to add Worcestershire sauce or other seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor of your porcupine meatballs. Adding these seasonings can make a big difference in taste, and are particularly important when using lean ground turkey as they add extra moisture and richness.
Lastly, after cooking your turkey porcupine meatballs, let them cool down for at least 5 minutes before serving them. This allows all of the flavors to settle in properly and ensures that the meatballs hold their shape until serving time.
By following these tips, you can make sure your homemade turkey porcupine meatballs come out perfectly tender and flavorful every time!
FAQ
Now that we’ve covered all the key aspects of this turkey porcupine meatballs recipe, it’s time to address some common questions and concerns you may have. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) along with their respective answers to help you achieve perfect results every time.
How do you keep porcupine meatballs from falling apart?
To ensure that your porcupine meatballs stay intact during cooking, it’s helpful to include a binding agent in your meat mixture. An excellent option for this is adding a combination of eggs and rice.
Why are my turkey meatballs rubbery?
One thing you don’t want when making meatballs is for them to turn out tough and rubbery. To prevent this, it’s important to be gentle when forming them. I suggest oiling your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking and then forming the meat into equally sized balls quickly but gently. This will ensure that the meatballs cook up tender and flavorful.
What are porcupine meatballs made of?
Porcupine meatballs were a common casserole dish popular in America during the Great Depression. This dish consists of meatballs that are made from ground beef, uncooked long-grain rice, onion, and canned tomato soup, all cooked together in a tomato sauce.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you want to impress your guests with a tasty and unique dish, turkey porcupine meatballs are the perfect choice. They are easy to make, versatile, and can be customized to suit any taste. Plus, they are a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs, as they use lean ground turkey instead.
With the tips and recommendations provided in this article, you will be able to make the best porcupine meatballs ever. Remember to use long-grain rice for best results, and don’t forget to keep your meatballs from falling apart by mixing the ingredients thoroughly and cooking them at the right temperature.
Whether you choose to make them in a pressure cooker or slow cooker, with tomato soup or homemade tomato sauce, these meatballs with rice recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser. So go ahead and give it a try – you won’t regret it!
Turkey Porcupine Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1/2 cup Minute Rice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 onion, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce (large can)
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce (small can)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375.
- In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, rice, 1/2 cup water, onion, garlic powder, pepper and salts.
- Form into golf ball size meatballs and place in a 2 quart casserole dish.
- In a bowl, mix the tomatoes sauce, worchesterchire and 1 cup water.
- Pour over the meatballs. Cover and bake for 1 hour.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!