Porcupine Meatballs with Cream of Mushroom Soup
Porcupine Meatballs are a classic American comfort food, typically made with ground beef, rice, and seasonings, then simmered in a creamy mushroom soup sauce. The name comes from the way the rice grains poke out of the meatballs during cooking, resembling porcupine quills.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein from the beef and provides a good amount of fat, especially saturated fat, from the meat and cream soup. A typical serving offers a solid calorie base, usually between 400-600 kcal, along with key nutrients like iron, B vitamins, and potassium.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 30 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 890 mg |
| Iron | 4.2 mg |
| Potassium | 420 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.8 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 6.5 mg |
| Zinc | 5.1 mg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Selenium | 22 mcg |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a hallmark of mid-20th century American home cooking, often associated with easy, budget-friendly family meals. Nutritionally, the combination of rice and beef creates a complete protein, and the mushroom soup adds a savory umami depth.
