Hamburger Casserole Florentine
A hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef, spinach, mushrooms, and cheesy goodness, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/4 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz.) packages chopped spinach, defrosted and drained ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice or pasta ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. grated Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet, leaving it in large chunks.
- Add chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the beef and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the defrosted and drained chopped spinach.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and cooked rice or pasta.
- Combine the soup mixture with the beef and spinach mixture, stirring well.
- Transfer the entire mixture into a casserole dish.
- Layer grated Monterey Jack cheese evenly on top of the casserole.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes, until hot and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage. You can substitute the Monterey Jack cheese with cheddar or mozzarella for a different taste. If you prefer a lighter version, try using ground turkey instead of beef. Adding red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick. This dish is similar to American recipes like Imitation Lasagna, making it a hearty family meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hamburger Casserole Florentine with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Mom'S Chip Beef Gravy for a comforting touch. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top before serving to enhance the flavors and presentation. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger Casserole Florentine contains roughly 534 calories, with 27g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value), protein (54% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1775mg per serving (77% 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 frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach for this recipe. Just make sure to defrost and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture. This will help prevent the casserole from becoming too watery. Frozen spinach is a convenient option and retains the flavors well in this dish.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don't have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt or a mixture of cream cheese and milk as a substitute. Greek yogurt will provide a similar tangy flavor, while cream cheese will add creaminess. Adjust the consistency with milk until you achieve the desired texture for the casserole.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature before placing it in the oven.
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).