Florentine Beef Casserole
A hearty Florentine beef casserole combining seasoned ground beef, spinach, mushrooms, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp black pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. all purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 cup beef broth ⓘ
- 1 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 10 oz. chopped spinach, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 4 oz. sliced mozzarella or jack cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef, chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, and dried oregano in olive oil over medium heat.
- Add salt and black pepper to the mixture.
- Stir in all-purpose flour to the meat mixture.
- Add beef broth and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in sour cream until well combined.
- Add the cooked and drained chopped spinach to the mixture.
- Transfer the meat mixture into a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish.
- Cut mozzarella or jack cheese into strips and place on top of the meat, criss-crossing the strips to decorate.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. Using fresh spinach instead of frozen can enhance the texture, just be sure to wilt it before adding. Make sure to drain the spinach well to avoid a watery casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Florentine Beef Casserole with a side salad for a balanced meal, or pair it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It also complements well with roasted vegetables or garlic bread. For a hearty dinner, consider serving it alongside Pennsylvania Dutch Meat And Cabbage for a comforting twist.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Florentine Beef Casserole contains roughly 1031 calories, with 21g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (81% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), and calcium (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2019mg per serving (88% 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 a different type of cheese for this casserole?
Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well. Cheddar, gouda, or even a blend of cheeses can be great alternatives to mozzarella or jack cheese. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly depending on the cheese you choose.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a mix of lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also add more vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to enhance the flavor and texture of the casserole.
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).