Porcupine Casserole
Porcupine Casserole is a comforting baked dish featuring seasoned meatballs with rice, topped with a creamy mushroom and cheese sauce—an easy, hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup uncooked rice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons mustard ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup ketchup ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, rice, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, egg, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, about 18 in total.
- Place the meatballs into a shallow 2 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, water, ketchup, and remaining salt and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the casserole.
- Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Remove from the oven and stir in processed cheese spread until melted and creamy.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for the ground beef. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rice can be used instead of uncooked rice. Experiment with different vegetables, such as diced carrots or zucchini, based on your taste preferences. Ensure the meatballs are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This Porcupine Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. For a comforting meal, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives can also enhance the dish's presentation and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for a quick option. Make sure to cover the dish to maintain moisture while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Porcupine Casserole contains roughly 467 calories, with 8g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2222mg per serving (97% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance by assembling the meatballs and sauce, then covering and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Can I freeze Porcupine Casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F until heated through.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a healthier option or don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with a homemade mushroom sauce or a mixture of sour cream and broth. This will provide a similar creaminess and flavor profile to your casserole.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).