This spinach rice casserole is full of flavor with the combination of fresh spinach, cheddar cheese, and onions baked together until golden brown. Even if spinach isn’t your favorite, this casserole has rich flavors and is hearty. It’s sure to win you over!
This spinach and rice casserole recipe is your ticket to a quick, easy, and utterly satisfying meal. With its simple ingredients and irresistible flavor, it’s no wonder my family requests it time and time again!
If you’re a fan of my spinach rice casserole, you’ll definitely want to try this chicken and rice casserole, another hearty dish that combines rice with delicious ingredients. Or, if you’re in the mood for something cheesy, my cheesy potato casserole is a must-try, packed with flavor and comfort in every bite.
This recipe comes from my mom’s recipe book. I remember it’s distinct flavors growing up and always loved the textures of spinach and rice together – with the creaminess of the cheese. Enjoy!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
- Family Favorite: This dish is a hit with the whole family. Its comforting and familiar flavors make it a go-to recipe in many households.
- Comfort Food: There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole. This recipe is the epitome of comfort food.
- Budget-Friendly: The ingredients for this recipe are affordable and easy to find, making it a budget-friendly option for any meal.
- Flavor-Packed: Despite its simplicity, this spinach rice casserole is packed with flavor. Every bite is a delicious surprise.
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Key Ingredients
- Fresh Spinach: This leafy green will add a burst of color and a touch of earthy flavor to our dish.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs will help bind all the ingredients together, giving our dish a firm and cohesive texture.
- Milk: This will add a creamy richness to our dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Salt: A key seasoning, salt will help bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Cooked Rice: In this case, we’re using brown rice, which will add a hearty, nutty flavor and a satisfying chewiness to our dish.
- Dried Onions: These will provide a subtle, sweet onion flavor without the need for chopping and sautéeing.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This cheese will melt beautifully in the oven, creating a deliciously gooey and flavorful layer in our dish.
Equipment
- Large Stockpot – You’ll need this to wilt the spinach with a bit of water, ensuring it’s cooked just right before adding to the mixture.
- Large Bowl – This is where you’ll whisk the eggs and combine all the ingredients, including the cooked spinach and rice.
- 8×8 or 1.5-quart Baking Dish – After stirring all the ingredients together, you’ll transfer the mixture to this dish for baking.
How to Make Spinach Rice Casserole
Preparation
Start by cooking the rice as per the instructions on the package. Once cooked, set aside one cup of the rice for later use.
Step 1 – Wilt the Spinach
Take two tablespoons of water and fresh spinach and place them into a large stockpot. Cover the pot and cook on medium heat. Stir occasionally until the spinach is wilted.
Step 2 – Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs. Then, add the remaining ingredients, which include the cooked rice and wilted spinach. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 3 – Prepare the Baking Dish
Take a greased 8×8 or 1.5-quart casserole dish and pour the mixture into it. Make sure to spread it evenly.
Step 4 – Bake the Casserole
Bake the casserole at 325˚ F for about 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s set in the middle. Enjoy this delicious spinach rice casserole as a main dish or a hearty side dish.
Expert Tip
Don’t rush the baking process. Let the casserole bake slowly and evenly at 325˚ F for 40 minutes. This will ensure that the flavors meld together perfectly and that the casserole sets in the middle, giving you a perfect dish every time.
Recipe Variations
- More Veggies: Feel free to add more veggies to this spinach rice casserole recipe. Mushrooms would be a great addition, sautéed in a skillet before adding to the casserole dish.
- Different Types of Cheese: While this recipe calls for sharp cheddar cheese, you can experiment with other types of cheese. Try substituting with feta cheese or parmesan cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Herbs and Aromatics: Enhance the flavor of your casserole by adding herbs and aromatics. Dill, parsley, or garlic would be excellent choices.
- Brown Rice: For a nuttier flavor and chewier texture, try using brown rice instead of white rice. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.
What to Serve With
- Serve this delicious spinach rice casserole alongside homemade biscuits for a hearty dinner that everyone in the family will love.
- For a deliciously balanced meal, pair this spinach rice casserole with a side dish of garlic and parmesan roasted mushrooms.
- For a hearty dinner, try serving the spinach rice casserole with a skillet-baked onion and cheese bread.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the mix. This will prevent your casserole from becoming too watery.
Of course! Feel free to add other ingredients like mushrooms, fresh onions, or garlic to give the dish more flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cheese like parmesan or feta.
If you don’t have a casserole dish, you can also use a prepared baking dish or even a large skillet. Just make sure it’s oven-safe and has enough depth to hold all the ingredients.
Storing and Reheating
- Freezing: This spinach rice casserole recipe is freezer-friendly. Simply prepare the dish as directed, but hold off on baking. Cover the casserole dish well with saran wrap and foil, then label and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw overnight and bake as directed.
- Refrigerating: Any leftovers from this delicious dish can be stored in the refrigerator. Place them in an air tight sealed container and they’ll keep for up to three days.
- Reheating Instructions: This casserole is reheated wonderfully in the microwave. Just make sure to use a microwave-safe dish. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy your reheated spinach rice casserole as soon as possible.
More Rice Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Serving Size
- What to Expect: This spinach rice casserole recipe yields four hearty servings.
- How to Scale: If you wish to make more than four servings, you can easily double the recipe. Just ensure your casserole dish is large enough to accommodate the increased quantity. Follow the rest of the instructions as directed, and you’ll have a delicious side dish for a larger crowd.
Spinach and Rice Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 oz fresh spinach
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1/3 Cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 Cup cooked rice measured after cooking it
- 1/2 teaspoon dried onions
- 1 Cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325˚ F. Cook the rice as your package instructs. Set aside one cup of cooked rice.
- Place two tablespoons of water and fresh spinach into a large stockpot and cover. Cook on medium heat until spinach is wilted, stirring occasionally.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs. Add remaining ingredients including rice and spinach. Stir.
- Place into a greased 8×8 or 1.5-quart baking dish. Bake at 325˚ F for 40 minutes or until set in the middle.
Comments & Reviews
Rose Fuda says
Hi,
Can you use Orzo?
Thanks!
Lynette Rice says
I’ve never tried the orzo with this recipe. I can’t recommend it.
Maryann Stevens says
Good recipe, but needs to be doubled. It doesn’t make much with one cup of rice.
Lynette says
Hi Maryann, thanks for the feedback. I’ll test the recipe again to see how we can make it better.
Lisa DeLuca says
can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Lynette says
Yes. I would make sure it’s fully thawed. After thawed, squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
Twila says
How long will it last in the freezer?
Rebecca says
Did you defrost it before baking or did you just pop it into the oven frozen (and adjust the cooking time)?
Lynette says
Hi Rebecca. Yes, I did defrost it before baking it.
Cynthia says
This sounds great! For the one you are freezing, are you baking it first? Thanks!
Lynette says
Hi Cynthia. I did not bake it first and it was great!