Spinbeefchee
A hearty spinach and beef casserole layered with cheeses and creamy sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners and packed with savory flavors and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
- 10 oz. frozen spinach ⓘ
- 10 oz. frozen spinach ⓘ
- 6 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 onion ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 c. sour cream ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 8 oz. cottage cheese ⓘ
- 4 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 2/3 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Squeeze liquid out of the thawed spinach.
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet.
- Add garlic salt, salt, and pepper; cook until beef is browned.
- Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook over low heat for 5 minutes, then drain off all liquid.
- In a large bowl, combine tomato sauce, sour cream, basil, oregano, cottage cheese, and beaten eggs.
- Stir in the cooked bacon, drained spinach, and meat mixture.
- Add 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and 2/3 cup Cheddar cheese; mix well.
- Spoon the mixture into a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining Parmesan and Cheddar cheeses on top.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. If you're short on time, pre-chopped onions and garlic can save you prep work. Adding grated zucchini can also boost the veggie content. For a different flavor profile, try using Italian sausage instead of ground beef. This dish can be customized with your favorite cheese blends.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette can complement the richness of the Spinbeefchee. For a comforting family dinner, pair it with your favorite vegetable side. It also goes well with other beef recipes like Milly'S Meat Loaf for a satisfying feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinbeefchee contains roughly 333 calories, with 16g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (52% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1271mg per serving (55% 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 Spinbeefchee ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to bake it uncovered for the recommended time before serving.
What can I substitute for the cottage cheese?
If you're not a fan of cottage cheese, you can use ricotta cheese as a substitute. It will give a similar creamy texture while adding a slightly different flavor. Greek yogurt can also work in a pinch for a tangy twist.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or lentils for a nutritious vegetarian version. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed, and load up on extra vegetables for added flavor and texture.
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).