-
1
You will need to first break the ramen noodles into small pieces.
-
2
Clean fingertips do the job well.
-
3
The pieces should be less than 1/2 inch and there should be about 1/2 cup of them.
-
4
Next combine the beef, egg, milk or water, carrots, red bell pepper, ramen noodle pieces, entire ramen seasoning packet, and salt.
-
5
Even though the ramen seasoning has a lot of sodium in it, the porcupines need a little salt for best flavor.
-
6
Mix very well then make 18-20 uniformly sized (about one heaping tablespoonful each) meatballs.
-
7
Note: If you're feeling especially economical, the meatballs may be individually quick frozen at this point.
-
8
Once frozen dump them together in a freezer bag and keep frozen on hand for those times when there's just no time to spare.
-
9
Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet or electric fry pan.
-
10
Sautee the garlic for about 1 minute then add the tomatoes and tomato sauce (swish a little water inside the 2 just emptied cans and pour that in too) along with the seasonings.
-
11
Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer.
-
12
Carefully place porcupines over the simmering sauce then place cover onto pan.
-
13
Set your timer for 25 minutes.
-
14
Now is the time to put those feet up and maybe surf 'zaar awhile while you wait for your delicious budget meal to cook itself.
-
15
When the timer goes off, stir the sauce and turn each meatball.
-
16
Place cover back on pan and set timer for 15 minutes.
-
17
Now is the time to cook that pasta and maybe whip out a quick green salad.
-
18
When the timer goes off again, stir the sauce and serve it and your porcupines over hot pasta.
-
19
Top with parmesan and congratulate yourself for all the time, effort and money you saved by cooking such a cent$ible meal.
-
20
Momma would be proud!
