I’ve only made this dish a couple times, but we’ve enjoyed it a lot. It is easy and frugal to boot. A win, win recipe in my book.
Sorry–no pic just yet. Since this recipe is on the menu for this week, I will post a picture after I make it (if I can remember!).
Porcupine Meatballs
1 pound ground beef ($1.30)
about 1 cup cooked brown rice (.10)
1 egg beaten (.09)
In a bowl combine the cooked rice, beaten egg, and the hamburger. Add any seasonings that you prefer. I usually add some pepper and garlic powder (everything needs a little bit of garlic). Shape this mixture into 1 inch balls. In a large skillet, brown meatballs on all sides.
Drain off any grease that you have in the skillet. To this add about 1/4 cup boiling water and just enough flour to make a roux (approximately 3-4 Tbsp?). Once your roux/paste is formed, add an additional 2 cups boiling water and about 2 tsp of beef bouillon granules or 1 boulillon cube. Throw in a dash of parsley flakes and cook until a nice tasty gravy forms.
Meanwhile cook some egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
Serve meatballs/gravy on a bed of egg noodles or as a a main dish with mashed potatoes and gravy. Serve with veggies.
Roughly $1.50 for meatballs, .50 for pasta or mashed potatoes, and another .50 -$1 for veggies.
Total Cost: $2.50-$3
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I haven’t had thin in a very long time. brings back childhood nostalgia.
Kristie
Those sound good. I think my kiddos would really love them. I do have a question for you, where do you find ground meat for 1.30 a pound? I usually buy 96% and the cheapest we find it is 2.96 a pound and would love to find it at a more reasonable price.
Thanks
Fran
Fran-
I come across it at Walmart all the time for $1.30/lb. I know that it may not be the best quality meat out there–but we like it. We do prefer our local grocery store, and even there when I find it on sale and buy in a family pack it is $1.70-ish a pound.
I cannot imagine paying almost $3 a pound for hamburger meat. Have you ever thought of maybe looking into buying a cow (even half or a quarter) from a butcher shop or farmer? It may end up being alot of money up front–but you could save a ton in the long run.