Ground Beef - Spinach Casserole
A hearty ground beef and spinach casserole with melted cheese, perfect for a comforting family dinner packed with flavors and nutritious greens.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
- Stir in tomato sauce, minced onion, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Press the thawed spinach very dry and combine it with cottage cheese, parsley flakes, oregano, and salt.
- Spread the spinach mixture around the side of a casserole dish.
- Spoon the beef mixture into the center of the casserole dish.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding minced garlic or crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef. If you have fresh spinach, you can use it instead of frozen; just sauté it until wilted. This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking for a convenient hurry up supper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like coleslaw or roasted vegetables. For a heartier dinner, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or a baked potato.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ground Beef - Spinach Casserole contains roughly 348 calories, with 22g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (171% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (131% of the Daily Value), and calcium (111% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 491mg per serving (21% 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 fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can substitute fresh spinach for frozen. Just sauté about 1 pound of fresh spinach in a skillet until wilted and then squeeze out excess moisture before mixing it with the cottage cheese.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you prefer a creamier texture, you can substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese. Greek yogurt can also be used for a lower-fat option, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and replace it with cooked lentils or a meat substitute like tempeh or textured vegetable protein. Adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavors of the dish.
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).