Porcupine Meatballs......interesting name eh???

This is another recipe handed down through the generations on my mom's side of the family. I remember the name and thinking.....I AM SO NOT EATING THAT. Until one day, when I became brave (and my mom probably made me, threatening me within an inch of my life I am sure) to try it. And ya know what???? I was like Mikey.....and I LIKED IT!!! Believe it or not......*SHOCK*. And then if I remember correctly, my dearest mom said something like......I TOLD YOU SO!!! Cause that's just the way my mom was. LOL

So, why the name porcupine???? Because for the filler, this meatballs uses rice instead of crackers, bread or breadcrumbs or oatmeal. It sticks out in some places and looks like porcupine quills. How fun!!! Hopefully your kids will love the name and not over analyze it like I did and think, why would my mom make me eat PORCUPINE!

Now, before you ask......................no you don't cook the rice before making the meatballs. And no you don't have to brown the meatballs either. They cook very nicely in the tomatoy (tomatoey??? SP??? Is that even a word??? ) sauce. Believe me, I have done this before. Trust me. OK, JUST MAKE THE STINKING MEATBALLS ALREADY, ok??? :)

Porcupine Meatballs
(serves 4)

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup UNCOOKED rice
1 T dried onion
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 cans (10 3/4 oz each) tomato soup
1 cup water
1 egg, lightly beaten

Combine all ingredients except water and soup. Form into small meatballs. Place in a Dutch oven. Mix water and tomato soup together and pour over the meatballs. Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until meatballs are no longer pink.


What's a Dutch oven??? Ok, I am sorry.....I almost got fancy on ya didn't I??? LOL You do *not* have to use one. Put it in a normal baking dish or pan......heck use a ovenproof skillet, or a cna pan....I don't care. LOL Don't get caught up in the details........ok??? (But for those of you wondering.....a Dutch oven is like a covered pot you can cook on the stove with, and then in the oven with. Fancy huh??? LOL NOT!)