Hamburger Florentine Casserole
A hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef, spinach, mushrooms, and creamy rice with melted Monterey Jack cheese, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Partially fry the ground beef and pour off excess fat.
- Brown the meat with chopped onion and crushed garlic.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Place thawed chopped spinach in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cooked meat to the spinach.
- Mix mushroom soup, sour cream, and cooked rice together; spread this mixture over the meat and vegetables.
- Top the casserole with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider swapping ground beef for ground turkey. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition. If you prefer a creamier texture, mix in some cream cheese with the sour cream. Ensure the spinach is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the casserole. This dish pairs beautifully with American recipes that focus on hearty flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hamburger Florentine Casserole with a simple side salad for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or crusty rolls can complement the dish nicely, adding a comforting touch. For a complete dinner, consider pairing it with a light Vegetable Beef Soup(Makes As Much As You Need) as a starter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring they are covered to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger Florentine Casserole contains roughly 380 calories, with 18g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value) and protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1265mg per serving (55% 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 use fresh spinach! You'll need about 10 ounces of fresh spinach, and sauté it until wilted before adding it to the casserole. This will enhance the flavor and freshness of the dish, providing a lovely texture contrast.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, remove the wrap and add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for Monterey Jack cheese?
If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese, you can use cheddar cheese or mozzarella as a substitute. Both will melt nicely and add a creamy texture to the casserole. Cheddar will give a sharper flavor, while mozzarella will provide a milder taste.
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).