Cheesy Spinach Beef Casserole
Enjoy a comforting and hearty Cheesy Spinach Beef Casserole, ideal for family dinners or potlucks. This one-dish meal combines savory ground beef and tender spinach with rich, creamy flavors and a generous layer of melted mozzarella. It's easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for those seeking a warm, satisfying meal that's both nutritious and delicious. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread to round out your meal!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 lb (ground)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Garlic Cloves
2 (minced)
Canned Mushroom Stems and Pieces
4 ounces (drained)
Salt
1 teaspoon
Dried Oregano
1 teaspoon
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Frozen Chopped Spinach
20 ounces (2 packages) (thawed and squeezed dry)
Condensed Cream of Celery Soup
10 ounces (undiluted)
Sour Cream
8 ounces
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
2 cups (divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is fully browned and the onion is translucent. Be sure to drain any excess fat.
3
Sprinkle in the drained mushrooms, salt, oregano, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
4
Add the thawed spinach, condensed cream of celery soup, and sour cream to the skillet. Stir until all ingredients are evenly blended.
5
Fold in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese into the mixture, ensuring it is distributed evenly.
6
Transfer the mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
8
After 15 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
9
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melty.
10
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Spinach Beef Casserole!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Spinach Beef Casserole?
It is a comforting one-dish meal that combines savory ground beef, tender spinach, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the ground beef for the casserole?
Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat with chopped onion and minced garlic until browned, then drain any excess fat.
What kind of spinach is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 20 ounces of frozen chopped spinach that has been thawed and squeezed dry.
Why is it important to squeeze the spinach dry?
Squeezing the spinach dry prevents the casserole from becoming too watery during the baking process.
What type of soup is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 10 ounces of undiluted condensed cream of celery soup.
Can I substitute the cream of celery soup?
Yes, cream of mushroom or cream of onion soup would also work well as a substitute.
What size baking dish do I need?
You will need a greased 2-quart baking dish.
How much mozzarella cheese is required in total?
The recipe requires 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, divided for the mixture and the topping.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
It bakes for a total of 20 minutes: 15 minutes initially, and another 5 minutes after adding the final layer of cheese.
Should I cover the casserole while it is in the oven?
No, the casserole should be baked uncovered.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh mushrooms, but be sure to sauté them with the beef and onions to remove excess moisture.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is a great one-dish meal that is easy to transport and generally a crowd-pleaser.
What seasonings are used in this dish?
The dish is seasoned with salt, dried oregano, and black pepper.
Can I replace the sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt is a common and effective substitute for sour cream in this recipe.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used for a leaner alternative.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can this casserole be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
What are some suggested side dishes?
A fresh green salad or crusty bread complements the rich and creamy flavors of the casserole.
How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?
The casserole is done when the cheese on top is bubbly and melted.
Do I need to cook the spinach before adding it?
No, simply thaw it and squeeze out all the moisture before stirring it into the skillet mixture.
What is the role of the onion and garlic?
They provide a savory flavor base for the ground beef mixture.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, chopped bell peppers or diced carrots would be a nutritious addition to the beef mixture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are gluten-free, but check the labels on the condensed soup as many brands contain wheat flour.
How much cheese goes inside the mixture?
One cup of the shredded mozzarella is folded into the beef and spinach mixture before baking.
When do I add the remaining cheese?
The remaining cup of cheese is sprinkled on top after the first 15 minutes of baking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the mixture in the baking dish a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish has a creamy, rich texture with tender meat and a gooey cheese topping.
Should I let it cool before serving?
Yes, letting it cool for a few minutes helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve.