Tom'S Spinach Fandango
A hearty spinach and ground beef casserole with mushrooms, creamy celery soup, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground chuck in a skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add canned mushrooms and finely chopped garlic to the meat and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in the frozen spinach and cook until well combined and heated through.
- Mix the canned celery soup and sour cream into the hot meat and vegetable mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a roaster or casserole dish, top with shredded mozzarella cheese, and bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dash of cream cheese or ricotta to the mixture. You can use fresh spinach instead of frozen; just sauté it until wilted before adding. If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can replace ground chuck. Adjust the seasonings to your taste, and feel free to add other herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread to complement the richness. For a heartier meal, consider serving with roasted vegetables or a light pasta dish. Browse more American recipes for additional ideas to complete your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tom'S Spinach Fandango contains roughly 491 calories, with 25g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (94% of the Daily Value), calcium (64% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1042mg per serving (45% 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 it in a bit of olive oil until wilted before adding it to the meat mixture. This will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
What can I substitute for celery soup?
If you don't have celery soup, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup as a substitute. Alternatively, a homemade mixture of cream and celery seasoning can work well.
How do I know when the dish is done baking?
The dish is done when the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly, usually around 20-25 minutes at 350°F. You can also check that the mixture is hot throughout by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out warm.
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).