Porcupines en Casserole

Porcupines en Casserole Recipe - Hearty and Savory Dish from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Porcupines en Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that combines savory meatballs with a creamy mushroom sauce. This hearty casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering.

History

The origins of Porcupines en Casserole are a bit murky, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-20th century. The name "porcupines" comes from the rice that sticks out of the meatballs, resembling the quills of a porcupine.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
0.5 cup uncooked rice
0.5 cup finely chopped onion
0.5 cup finely chopped celery
0.5 cup chopped green pepper
1 egg
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
2 tsp prepared mustard
2 tsp salt, divided
0.25 tsp ground black pepper, divided
0.25 tsp garlic powder
1 10-0.75 oz (21 g) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
0.5 cup water
0.25 cup tomato catsup
0.33 cup pasteurized process american cheese spread*

How to prepare

Combine beef, rice, onion, celery, green pepper, egg, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, 1.5 tsp salt, 0.13 tsp pepper, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl.
Form the mixture into 1.5 inch balls (about 18 balls). Place the balls in a lightly buttered shallow 2.5 qt (473 ml) casserole dish.
In a saucepan, combine soup, water, ketchup, remaining 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.13 tsp pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Pour the sauce over the meatballs. Cover the casserole dish and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 1 hour.
Remove from the oven and stir in the cheese spread.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter version of the dish.
Add diced carrots or peas to the meatball mixture for extra vegetables.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to mix the meatball mixture thoroughly to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

- Use lean ground beef to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.

- Be sure to cover the casserole dish tightly with foil to prevent the meatballs from drying out during baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Porcupines en Casserole with a side of mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the meatballs in the casserole dish allows them to cook in the flavorful sauce, resulting in tender and juicy meatballs.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have American cheese spread, you can use shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the casserole with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Porcupines en Casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Porcupines en Casserole contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Porcupines en Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Porcupines en Casserole contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Porcupines en Casserole contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Porcupines en Casserole is a good source of iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese spread) and eggs.

Summary

Porcupines en Casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Porcupines en Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With its tender meatballs and creamy mushroom sauce, this casserole is perfect for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to visit my dear friend Margaret for a leisurely afternoon tea. Margaret was known in our small town for her culinary skills, and I always looked forward to her delicious treats.

As I entered her cozy kitchen, the aroma of something savory and comforting wafted through the air. Margaret greeted me with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye, “I have a new recipe to share with you today, dear friend. It’s a family favorite – Porcupines en Casserole.”

I was intrigued by the name and eager to learn more. Margaret explained that the dish got its name from the way the rice and beef mixture resembled the quills of a porcupine as it cooked in the casserole dish. She had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations.

Margaret guided me through the process of making Porcupines en Casserole, sharing tips and tricks along the way. We started by mixing ground beef, rice, onions, and seasonings together in a large bowl. The mixture was then shaped into small meatballs and placed in a baking dish. A simple tomato sauce was poured over the meatballs, and the casserole was baked until the rice was tender and the meatballs were cooked through.

As the casserole baked in the oven, Margaret regaled me with stories of her grandmother and the special memories they had shared in the kitchen. She spoke of lazy Sundays spent cooking together, of family gatherings filled with laughter and love, and of the joy of passing down recipes from one generation to the next.

When the casserole was finally ready, Margaret served it piping hot with a side of buttered green beans and crusty bread. The flavors were rich and comforting, the perfect combination of savory meatballs and tangy tomato sauce. I savored each bite, feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn this special recipe from my dear friend.

From that day on, Porcupines en Casserole became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for family dinners, potlucks with friends, and any time I wanted a taste of nostalgia. Each time I prepared the dish, I would think of Margaret and her grandmother, of the traditions and memories that made it so special.

As the years passed, I continued to collect recipes from various places and people, adding them to my repertoire of dishes. But Porcupines en Casserole held a special place in my heart, a reminder of the bonds of friendship and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.

And so, whenever I make this dish, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Margaret’s kitchen, where the scent of savory meatballs and the laughter of dear friends filled the air. It is a memory I will always cherish, a story to be passed down through the generations, just like the recipe for Porcupines en Casserole.