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Spinach Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
With its rich layers of seasoned ground beef, tender spinach, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser.
It combines the flavors of hearty beef with the nutritional benefits of spinach, creating a meal that’s both delicious and filling.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep for the week, or a cozy weekend treat, this casserole is versatile and perfect for any occasion.
Packed with protein, iron, and vitamins, Spinach Beef Casserole is an easy way to sneak in some greens while enjoying a comforting, hearty dish.
It’s quick to prepare, and the leftovers are just as tasty the next day, making it a go-to recipe for busy nights.
If you’re craving a dish that’s simple to make, yet full of flavor, this Spinach Beef Casserole is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Spinach Beef Casserole
Spinach Beef Casserole is one of those recipes that you’ll come back to again and again.
The rich combination of savory ground beef, fresh spinach, and cheese makes every bite an irresistible delight.
Not only is it filling, but it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free comfort food.
The spinach adds a burst of green goodness, full of vitamins and minerals like iron and Vitamin K, while the beef brings in that satisfying protein that keeps you full for hours.
This casserole is not only tasty but also incredibly versatile.
You can customize it by adding in extra vegetables, switching up the cheeses, or even adjusting the seasonings to match your personal taste.
It’s easy to make ahead of time, too, which means you can pop it into the oven whenever you’re ready for a quick, stress-free meal.
Whether you serve it with a side of fresh bread or a crisp salad, Spinach Beef Casserole fits any occasion, from weeknight dinners to cozy weekend feasts.
Ingredients for Spinach Beef Casserole
To make a delicious Spinach Beef Casserole, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together to create the perfect flavor balance. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef: The base of the casserole, providing savory flavor and protein. You can choose lean ground beef for a lighter version or a richer one with higher fat content for added flavor.
- Spinach: Fresh or frozen spinach works well in this dish. If using fresh spinach, you’ll need to sauté it to soften the leaves before adding it to the casserole.
- Cheese: Mozzarella and cheddar are popular choices for this dish. Mozzarella melts beautifully, while cheddar gives a sharper, tangier flavor. You can mix both for a well-rounded taste.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are essential for building the flavor of the beef mixture. They’ll infuse the meat with their savory goodness.
- Tomato Sauce: Adds a slight tanginess and moisture to the beef, helping to bind the casserole together.
- Spices: Oregano, basil, salt, and pepper will bring out the savory and herby flavors, enhancing the depth of the dish.
- Eggs: They help hold everything together and give the casserole a bit of structure.
- Breadcrumbs (optional): For an added crunch on top, sprinkle breadcrumbs before baking. It gives a satisfying texture contrast to the creamy casserole.
These ingredients come together in a beautiful harmony to create a casserole that’s comforting, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.
The best part? You can customize it with your favorite ingredients or add extra vegetables for more flavor and nutrition!
How to Make Spinach Beef Casserole
Making a Spinach Beef Casserole is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps to create a dish that’s sure to impress.
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened.
Stir in your favorite spices like oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, and pour in the tomato sauce.
Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to thicken slightly.
This beef base will provide a savory foundation for the casserole.
Step 2: Sauté the Spinach
If you’re using fresh spinach, heat a little olive oil in a separate pan and sauté the spinach until wilted.
For frozen spinach, thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the pan.
Once the spinach is cooked, combine it with the beef mixture. Stir everything together to ensure the spinach is well incorporated into the sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish, then layer the beef and spinach mixture evenly at the bottom.
Next, sprinkle a generous amount of cheese on top, and repeat with another layer of the beef mixture and cheese.
If desired, add breadcrumbs on top for a crispy finish. The layers of cheese will melt and form a gooey, golden topping when baked.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Once it’s ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Spinach Beef Casserole
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content, or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Make sure to drain excess moisture from the spinach (especially if using frozen) to prevent a soggy casserole.
- Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, parmesan, or a blend of cheeses for a unique flavor profile.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven to bake.
Nutritional Information
Spinach Beef Casserole is a balanced dish that provides a great source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving (based on a recipe using 1 lb of ground beef and 2 cups of cheese, serving 6):
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 10-12g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Sodium: 600-800mg
- Calcium: 200-250mg
This casserole provides a good amount of protein, thanks to the beef and cheese, while the spinach adds a boost of iron and other essential nutrients.
It’s a filling meal that can fit into a balanced diet, especially if you make some adjustments for lower fat or carb content.
Conclusion
Spinach Beef Casserole is the perfect comfort food that combines savory beef, fresh spinach, and melted cheese in one satisfying dish.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a filling meal to prepare in advance, this casserole will be a hit.
The best part is that it’s customizable—add your favorite vegetables or cheeses to make it your own.
With its nutritional benefits and hearty flavors, Spinach Beef Casserole is sure to become a go-to recipe in your meal rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative to ground beef and will result in a lighter casserole.
It will still be delicious with the same seasonings and other ingredients.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day or two before and refrigerate it.
When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven to cook through. This also makes for great meal prep!
3. Can I freeze Spinach Beef Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.
To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 375°F for 20-30 minutes.
4. How can I make this casserole lower in calories?
To reduce the calorie content, you can use lean ground beef or ground turkey, reduce the amount of cheese, and use whole wheat breadcrumbs or omit them altogether for a lighter version.
5. Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or even carrots to enhance the flavor and add more nutrients to the dish.
Just make sure to sauté or cook the veggies to remove any excess moisture before adding them to the casserole.
Spinach Beef Casserole
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet (for browning beef)
- 1 Baking Dish (9×13 inches)
- 1 mixing spoon
- 1 Baking Sheet (optional for additional breadcrumbs)
- 1 Knife and cutting board
- 1 Measuring Cup & Spoons
- 1 Spoon: For serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach or 1½ cups frozen, thawed and drained
- 1 medium Onion chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Basil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 Egg
- ½ cup Breadcrumbs optional for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic to the pan, cooking until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat from the beef.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare the Spinach: While the beef is simmering, sauté the spinach in a separate pan over medium heat until wilted (or, if using frozen spinach, make sure it’s thoroughly thawed and drained).
- Assemble the Casserole: Layer the beef mixture and sautéed spinach in the greased baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Optionally, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for extra crunch.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Spinach Beef Casserole!
Notes
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 1-2 days before baking. Alternatively, it can be assembled and frozen for up to 2 months—just bake it directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.
- Substitutions: You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of this dish. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- For a Lower Carb Option: Omit the breadcrumbs or use low-carb breadcrumbs.
