Sour Cream Porcupines
Sour Cream Porcupines are savory meatballs with rice, smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings. Rich and flavorful.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, rice, paprika, salt, and diced onion in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into 16 to 20 meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in hot fat in a skillet.
- Arrange the browned meatballs in a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet used to brown the meatballs.
- In the skillet, combine water, beef bouillon cube, Worcestershire sauce, and cream of mushroom soup.
- Stir until the mixture is blended and heated through.
- Add sour cream to the sauce and pour it over the meatballs in the casserole.
- Cover and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.
- Bake uncovered in a moderate 350°F oven for 45 minutes or 1 1/2 hours if frozen.
- Serve hot, garnished with Chinese noodles sprinkled on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some minced garlic or chopped bell peppers with the meatball mixture. If you don’t have beef bouillon, chicken bouillon can be used as a substitute. To make the dish lighter, you can replace half of the ground beef with lean ground turkey. For a vegetarian version, try using plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Sour Cream Porcupines hot, garnished with crispy Chinese noodles for a delightful crunch. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad, such as Wonderful Cole Slaw, for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Sour Cream Porcupines can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sour Cream Porcupines contains roughly 241 calories, with 9g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (64% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1624mg per serving (71% 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 these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate or freeze them before baking. If frozen, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. This makes it a perfect make-ahead dish for busy weeknights or gatherings.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup on hand, you can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce. For a dairy-free version, consider using a non-dairy mushroom soup or a cashew cream sauce to achieve a similar creaminess.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can incorporate finely chopped vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms into the meatball mixture for added nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if you add more moisture-rich ingredients to ensure they cook properly.
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).