Porcupine Casserole
A hearty one-pot meal combining ground meat, rice, and tomato, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey Use lean meat for a healthier option.
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup onion, chopped Finely chopped for even cooking.
- 1 cup bell pepper, chopped Any color can be used.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth or water For added flavor, beef broth is recommended.
- optional shredded cheese For topping, add during last 5 minutes of baking.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat and vegetable mixture with the uncooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything until well combined.
Baking
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the beef broth or water over the top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
- After 40 minutes, remove the foil and stir the casserole gently. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a melty, cheesy finish.
- Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
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Notes
Serve with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. Crusty bread or breadsticks are great on the side, and consider topping with sour cream or fresh parsley for added flavor.