Spinach Cheese Casserole
This Spinach Cheese Casserole is a comforting dish packed with rich flavors from sautéed mushrooms, creamy sour cream, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for family gatherings or as a hearty vegetarian meal, it combines the goodness of spinach with the satisfying texture of pasta, making it a favorite for all.
Ingredients
- 9 oz. thin spaghetti or vermicelli, broken, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1/2 c. butter, melted ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 c. diced onions ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry ⓘ
- 4 c. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 2 c. sour cream ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute butter, mushrooms, and onions.
- Add to the rest of the ingredients and gently mix together.
- Bake in a 9 x 13-inch greased casserole at 350° for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding an extra cup of sour cream or mixing in some ricotta cheese. If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese, you can substitute it with cheddar or a blend of mozzarella and provolone. To enhance the flavors, try adding minced garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
This Spinach Cheese Casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a hearty meal. For a complete vegetarian dinner, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup. It also makes a great dish for potlucks or gatherings, as it can be made ahead and enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Cheese Casserole contains roughly 435 calories, with 13g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (52% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 586mg per serving (25% 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 1 pound of fresh spinach until wilted, then squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the mixture. This will provide a vibrant flavor and texture to your casserole.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, garlic bread or a side of pasta would complement the flavors nicely.
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).