Porcupines En Casserole
Porcupines En Casserole offers a hearty combination of seasoned ground beef, rice, and vegetables, baked in a savory mushroom sauce topped with melted cheese, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup uncooked rice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons prepared mustard ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, rice, chopped onion, celery, green pepper, egg, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Form the mixture into balls and place them in a greased casserole dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, water, catsup, remaining salt, and pepper.
- Bring the soup mixture to a boil and pour it over the meatballs.
- Cover the casserole and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven and stir in grated cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of ground meats or adding spices such as paprika or Italian herbs. If you prefer a healthier option, substitute brown rice for white rice and use low-sodium soup. You can also use cooked quinoa as a rice alternative. This dish is reminiscent of other comforting American recipes, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Porcupines En Casserole with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. Crusty bread or garlic bread pairs well for soaking up the delicious sauce. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes, similar to how you might enjoy Mom's Stroganoff.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Porcupines En Casserole contains roughly 687 calories, with 16g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2457mg per serving (107% 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 use pre-cooked rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked rice to save time. Just reduce the baking time slightly, as the rice is already cooked. Mix it in with the other ingredients, and ensure the meatballs are cooked through before serving.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you want to avoid canned soup, you can make a homemade version using a roux of butter and flour, adding in sautéed mushrooms and broth for flavor. Alternatively, cream of chicken or vegetable soup can work as a substitute.
Can I freeze the casserole for later?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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).