Spinach Casserole(Your Kids Will Never Know!)
A cheesy spinach casserole with savory ground beef, rice, and a creamy blend of soup and sour cream. Topped with mozzarella and Parmesan, it's a hearty, kid-friendly dish perfect for family dinners that delivers comforting flavors with a hint of Italian-inspired goodness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw the spinach.
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet; remove excess grease.
- In a bowl, combine cream of celery soup, sour cream, oregano, garlic salt, and cooked rice.
- Add the cooked spinach and beef mixture to the bowl and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven, top with shredded mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese begins to brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using ground turkey instead of hamburger. You can also substitute the cream of celery soup with homemade white sauce for a fresher flavor. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked rice. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give it a nice kick. This dish freezes well, so you can make it ahead and enjoy later.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Spinach Casserole with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Hamburger Tater Tot Casserole for a comforting dinner. You can also top it with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F, cover the casserole with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Casserole(Your Kids Will Never Know!) contains roughly 740 calories, with 35g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (80% of the Daily Value), protein (71% of the Daily Value), and iron (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1496mg per serving (65% 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! Just sauté about 10 ounces of fresh spinach until wilted, then chop and add it to the mixture. This will give your casserole a fresher taste and a nice texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the beef mixture. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for an extra kick. Adjust according to your spice 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).