Spinach Rice Casserole – A Comforting, Cheesy & Nutritious Dish
If you’re searching for a hearty, wholesome, and flavorful dinner idea, this spinach rice casserole is the perfect solution. Packed with tender rice, creamy cheese, and fresh spinach, it’s a comfort food classic that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
This dish is versatile enough to serve as a main course for vegetarians or as a flavorful side dish alongside roasted chicken, beef, or fish. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for a potluck, or planning a cozy weeknight dinner, this spinach rice casserole is guaranteed to win hearts at the table.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz (280 g) fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed & drained)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta)
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Cook the rice – Prepare rice according to package instructions. Fluff and let it cool slightly.
- Sauté aromatics – In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened and fragrant (3–4 minutes).
- Add spinach – Stir in spinach and cook until wilted (or warmed through if using frozen spinach). Remove from heat.
- Mix the filling – In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, sautéed spinach mixture, cottage cheese, sour cream, 1 cup cheddar cheese, eggs, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
- Assemble casserole – Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly. Top with remaining ½ cup cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve & enjoy – Let rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Serving Size: 6 portions
Tips & Variations
- Protein boost: Add cooked chicken, ground turkey, or crumbled bacon.
- Cheese swap: Try mozzarella, gouda, or Swiss for different flavor profiles.
- Rice options: Brown rice, wild rice, or even quinoa work wonderfully.
- Make ahead: Prepare the casserole, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 13 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Low-Fat Option: Use low-fat cheese, cottage cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it’s rice-based.
- Keto-Friendly: Swap rice with riced cauliflower for a low-carb version.
- Dairy-Free: Replace cheeses and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
This spinach rice casserole is best served warm straight from the oven. Pair it with roasted chicken, baked salmon, or a crisp garden salad for a balanced meal. It’s also a great vegetarian main dish when paired with crusty bread and soup.
Comforting, cheesy, and full of greens, this dish proves that healthy food can be absolutely delicious.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I make spinach rice casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Q2: Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Freeze before baking (up to 2 months). Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Q3: Do I need to cook spinach before adding?
If using fresh spinach, sauté lightly first. Frozen spinach just needs to be thawed and well-drained.
Q4: What’s the best rice for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice or brown rice works best for texture, but wild rice adds extra flavor.
Q5: Can I make it without eggs?
Yes. Skip the eggs and add an extra ½ cup of cheese or a few tablespoons of cream for binding.
