Picante Spinach Casserole
A flavorful, spicy spinach casserole with melted cheese, picante sauce, and crunchy toppings, perfect for a family dinner or potluck, offering bold and creamy flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen chopped spinach ⓘ
- 1/3 cup minced onion
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 6 oz. pasteurized processed cheese spread, cubed ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Pace picante sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- Crushed tortilla chips or toasted bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook spinach according to package directions and drain well, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid.
- Cook minced onion in butter in a large skillet until tender, about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add flour and cook and stir until bubbly.
- Gradually add the reserved spinach liquid and milk, then cook and stir until thickened.
- Stir in the processed cheese spread and cook until cheese melts.
- Stir in Pace picante sauce, drained spinach, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix well and serve topped with crushed tortilla chips or toasted bread crumbs.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream. If you don’t have processed cheese spread, a combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar can work well. For a spicier kick, try adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This dish can also be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole as a hearty side dish with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also makes a great appetizer when served with tortilla chips. Pair with a light salad drizzled with Honey Lemon Buttermilk Dressing for a refreshing contrast. For a vegetarian option, consider serving alongside roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, heating in 30-second intervals until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Picante Spinach Casserole contains roughly 331 calories, with 9g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (48% of the Daily Value) and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 1 pound of fresh spinach to yield the same amount as two 10 oz. packages of frozen. Sauté it until wilted before adding it to the casserole mixture.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you're ready to bake it.
What can I substitute for the Pace picante sauce?
If you don’t have Pace picante sauce, any mild salsa will work as a substitute. For a different flavor profile, consider using a homemade salsa or even a spicy marinara sauce, depending on your taste preference.
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).