Live-Longer Casserole
A nutritious and flavorful casserole combining spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and cheese, perfect for a wholesome family meal or a comforting dinner option.
Ingredients
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon low-fat margarine ⓘ
- 2 packages frozen spinach, thawed or 3 cups chopped fresh spinach ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups diced zucchini ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (optional)
- 1/2 pound spaghetti, broken in half ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon nonstick cooking spray ⓘ
- 3 ounces reduced fat Swiss cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and mushrooms in margarine.
- In a medium bowl, mix together spinach, tomatoes, zucchini, and salt (optional); add to onion-mushroom mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Cook spaghetti in boiling water for 15 minutes, drain, and add to the vegetable mixture.
- Spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray; pour the vegetable and spaghetti mixture into the casserole.
- Mix the cheeses together and sprinkle on top of the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the onion and mushroom mixture. For a creamier texture, you can substitute the reduced fat Swiss cheese with low-fat ricotta or cottage cheese. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also elevate the dish. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can be a convenient option.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a heartier dinner. For a special touch, serve it with a side of your favorite pasta sauce or a dollop of pesto. It’s also great for meal prep, making it an excellent choice for busy weeks. Browse more vegetarian recipes for additional inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Live-Longer Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warm and bubbly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Live-Longer Casserole contains roughly 660 calories, with 17g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (80% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (54% of the Daily Value), and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1991mg per serving (87% 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 whole wheat spaghetti instead of regular?
Yes, whole wheat spaghetti is a great substitute for regular spaghetti in this recipe. It will add a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, making the dish even healthier. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as whole wheat pasta may require a minute or two longer to cook.
Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can easily make this casserole gluten-free by substituting the spaghetti with gluten-free pasta options such as rice or quinoa pasta. Be sure to check the labels to ensure all other ingredients, like the cheese, are also gluten-free.
Can I freeze the Live-Longer Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed.
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).