Spinach-Rice Casserole
A hearty and nutritious casserole combining tender brown rice, fresh spinach, and cheesy flavors. Topped with a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust, it offers a comforting vegetarian dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep, with a delightful mix of savory, cheesy, and herbal notes.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup brown rice ⓘ
- 2 cups vegetable broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 pound fresh spinach, washed and chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons melted butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fresh whole wheat bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook brown rice with vegetable broth for 40 minutes.
- While rice is cooking, prepare the Cheddar cheese, parsley, and chopped spinach.
- After 30 minutes of cooking, preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix cooked rice with grated Cheddar cheese, parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and beaten eggs.
- Spoon the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Combine Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and bread crumbs and sprinkle on top of the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream to the rice mixture. If you're short on time, precooked rice can be used as a substitute for brown rice. Fresh spinach can be swapped with frozen spinach; just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding. This dish is a great way to use up leftover vegetables, similar to how you might with Missy Potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole makes a hearty main dish on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. Consider serving it alongside Easy Holiday Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a more substantial meal, add a protein like grilled chicken or tofu. Don't forget to garnish with extra parsley for a fresh touch!
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Spinach-Rice Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach-Rice Casserole contains roughly 822 calories, with 44g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (120% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (107% of the Daily Value), and calcium (91% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1056mg per serving (46% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While Cheddar and Parmesan work well, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella for a gooey texture or feta for a tangy flavor. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the overall taste and texture of the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free due to the use of bread crumbs. To make it gluten-free, you can substitute the whole wheat bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or omit them entirely for a crustless version. The casserole will still be delicious and satisfying!
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).