Italian-style Spinach Bake

Italian-style Spinach Bake Recipe - A Delicious European Delight

Region / culture: Europe, Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Italian-style Spinach Bake is a delicious and hearty dish that combines ground beef, spinach, rice, and cheese, all baked together in a savory tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering with friends.

History

Italian-style Spinach Bake is a modern twist on traditional Italian flavors. The combination of ground beef, spinach, and cheese is a classic Italian flavor profile, while the addition of rice adds a comforting and filling element to the dish. This recipe is a great way to enjoy the flavors of Italy in a simple and satisfying casserole.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) of lean ground beef
1 cup of chopped onion (red, yellow, or white only)
1 clove of minced garlic
3 cups of cooked rice
1 x 10 oz (283 g) package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1 cup (4 oz (113 g)) of shredded monterey jack cheese or provolone
0.75 cup of milk
4 large eggs, beaten
0.5 tsp of ground black pepper
1 x 15 oz (425 g) can of tomato sauce or 1 pack of spaghetti sauce
0.5 tsp of garlic powder
0.5 tsp of basil leaves
0.5 tsp of oregano leaves
0.5 tsp of seasoned pepper
0.5 cup of grated parmesan cheese
3 tbsp of italian seasoning, reserving 1 tbsp for garnishing if desired

How to prepare

In a large skillet, cook beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink.
Add rice, spinach, and Monterey jack cheese to the skillet; mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine milk, eggs, pepper, and 2 tbsp of Italian seasoning (optional); stir into the rice mixture.
Transfer the mixture into a greased shallow 2 qt (1.89 liter) baking dish.
Bake at 350° F for 30 minutes or until the mixture is set.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, blend tomato sauce (or spaghetti sauce), garlic powder, basil, oregano, and seasoned pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
Cut the cooked spinach mixture into squares and serve topped with tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, and the remaining Italian seasoning (optional).

Variations

For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
You can add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the dish.
For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the tomato sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thaw the frozen spinach completely before adding it to the dish.

- Be sure to cook the ground beef thoroughly before adding it to the other ingredients.

- Feel free to customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

- For a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables or tofu instead.

Serving Suggestions

Italian-style Spinach Bake can be served as a main dish with a side salad or garlic bread. It also pairs well with a glass of red wine.

Cooking Techniques

Italian-style Spinach Bake is baked in the oven, which allows all the flavors to meld together and the cheese to melt and become gooey and delicious.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have provolone cheese, you can use mozzarella or cheddar instead. You can also use fresh spinach instead of frozen, just be sure to cook it down before adding it to the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Italian-style Spinach Bake can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

You can garnish the Italian-style Spinach Bake with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a pop of color. Serve it in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Italian-style Spinach Bake pairs well with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables. It also goes well with a glass of Chianti or Pinot Noir.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Italian-style Spinach Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Italian-style Spinach Bake contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Italian-style Spinach Bake contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Italian-style Spinach Bake contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Italian-style Spinach Bake contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Italian-style Spinach Bake is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk, cheese, eggs) and wheat (from the rice), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Italian-style Spinach Bake is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Italian-style Spinach Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that is sure to please a crowd. With its hearty combination of beef, spinach, rice, and cheese, this casserole is a satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I was browsing through a flea market in the heart of Little Italy. The scent of freshly baked bread and simmering tomato sauce filled the air, and I couldn't help but feel drawn to a small stall tucked away in a corner.

There, a little old Italian lady with a twinkle in her eye was selling homemade pasta and sauces. As I chatted with her, she mentioned a dish that she called "Italian-style Spinach Bake." Intrigued, I asked her for the recipe, and her face lit up with delight as she handed me a tattered piece of paper with handwritten instructions.

I thanked her profusely and hurried home to try out the recipe. As I gathered the ingredients – fresh spinach, ricotta cheese, garlic, and Italian seasonings – I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. This dish had the potential to become a family favorite, and I couldn't wait to see how it turned out.

I followed the instructions carefully, sautéing the spinach with garlic until it wilted and adding a generous dollop of creamy ricotta cheese. The aroma that wafted from the oven as the dish baked was heavenly, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing mix of herbs and cheese.

When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the dish out of the oven and marveled at the golden-brown crust that had formed on top. I couldn't resist taking a bite right away, and the flavors exploded in my mouth – creamy ricotta, garlicky spinach, and a hint of Parmesan cheese. It was love at first bite.

From that day on, Italian-style Spinach Bake became a staple in my kitchen. I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all raved about its deliciousness. It was a dish that brought people together, evoking memories of sunny days spent in bustling Italian markets and cozy nights gathered around the dinner table.

Over the years, I've made some tweaks to the original recipe, adding a pinch of nutmeg for warmth and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Each time I make it, I think back to that chance encounter with the little Italian lady at the flea market and how her simple recipe had sparked a culinary journey that would last a lifetime.

Now, as I stand in my kitchen, preparing another batch of Italian-style Spinach Bake for a family gathering, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous moment that led me to discover this delicious dish. It's a reminder that sometimes the best recipes are found in the most unexpected places, passed down through generations and shared with love and joy. And for that, I will always be thankful.