Rice And Spinach Deluxe Casserole
A hearty casserole combining tender spinach, rice, mushrooms, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or nutritious weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion and mushrooms in melted margarine until tender. Follow thawing instructions on spinach box and drain.
- In a 1 1/2-quart casserole, combine spinach, cooked rice, melted cheese spread, onions, and mushrooms. Stir in cream of mushroom soup.
- Add nutmeg and mix well.
- Cover and cook at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute the margarine with olive oil and use low-fat cheese spread. If you don’t have Old English cheese, any creamy cheese like cream cheese or ricotta can work well. To save time, consider using pre-cooked rice or leftover rice from a previous meal. Adding some garlic during the sautéing step can enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Rice and Spinach Deluxe Casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for added protein. For a hearty brunch option, consider serving it with Marlys'S Quick And Easy Chocolate Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover to retain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice And Spinach Deluxe Casserole contains roughly 633 calories, with 6g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (62% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 653mg per serving (28% 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 12 ounces of fresh spinach. Sauté it for a few minutes until wilted before adding it to the casserole. This will enhance the flavor and add a nice texture.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer not to use canned soup, you can make a homemade version using milk, sautéed mushrooms, and a thickener like flour or cornstarch. This will give you a fresh taste without the preservatives found in canned options.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover it well, and refrigerate until ready to bake. When you're ready to cook, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
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).