Italian Squares
Italian Squares is a savory, layered casserole combining ground beef, spinach, rice, and cheese, topped with a rich tomato sauce. Its comforting flavors and hearty ingredients make it perfect for family dinners and gatherings, offering a delicious taste of Italy with each satisfying bite.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
- 3 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 3/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Italian cheese ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Sauté ground beef, chopped onions, and crushed garlic until the meat loses its red color.
- Add thawed chopped spinach, cooked rice, and grated Italian cheese; mix well.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs with milk, salt, and pepper.
- Add the egg mixture to the rice mixture and combine thoroughly.
- Place the mixture in a shallow casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until set.
- Meanwhile, blend tomato sauce with basil and oregano, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Cut the baked mixture into squares and top with the tomato sauce and grated Italian cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting ground turkey for the beef and using whole grain rice. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor. If you don't have mozzarella cheese, any mild cheese will work. Be sure to sauté the garlic just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Italian Squares with a side salad for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Quick And Sassy Spaghetti Sauce for a flavorful twist. You can also offer some crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce. A glass of red wine would complement this dish nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. These Italian Squares can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through, to maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Squares contains roughly 973 calories, with 46g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (128% of the Daily Value), iron (105% of the Daily Value), and protein (92% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1893mg per serving (82% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and assemble it in the casserole dish a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I freeze the Italian Squares?
Absolutely! After baking, let the squares cool completely, then cut them into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I use instead of spinach?
If you're not a fan of spinach, you can substitute it with kale or Swiss chard. Both greens will add a nice flavor and nutrition to the dish. You can also use a mix of frozen vegetables if you want a variety of textures and tastes.
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).