Mexican Spinach Casserole Deluxe

Deluxe Mexican Spinach Casserole Recipe with Ground Beef and Cream Cheese

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Mexican Spinach Casserole Deluxe is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of turkey, cream cheese, spinach, and a variety of spices and peppers. This casserole is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, as it is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

History

The origins of Mexican Spinach Casserole Deluxe are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine. The combination of ingredients in this casserole reflects the flavors and spices commonly used in Mexican cooking, such as jalapeños, Ro-tel green chiles, and taco seasoning.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground beef, pork or turkey
0.5 medium onion, chopped, 2 oz (57 g)
8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, softened
10 oz (283 g) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained
0.33 cup sour cream
2 tsp seasoning for tacos
10 oz (283 g) can Ro-tel tomatoes, drained (diced tomatoes with green chiles)
0.25 cup canned sliced pickled jalapeños
2 roasted red bell peppers, coarsely chopped
4 oz (113 g) mozzarella or monterey jack cheese, shredded, 1 cup
salt and pepper, to taste

How to prepare

Brown the meat and onion, then drain the fat.
Blend in the cream cheese until it is completely incorporated.
Put everything in a greased 2.5 qt casserole dish and mix well.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for approximately 40 minutes or until it becomes bubbly and browned on top.

Variations

Substitute ground beef or chicken for the turkey for a different flavor profile.
Add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
Top the casserole with crushed tortilla chips or avocado slices before baking for a crunchy topping.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the thawed spinach well to remove excess moisture, as this will prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.

- Be sure to blend the cream cheese thoroughly with the meat and other ingredients to ensure a creamy and smooth texture.

- Adjust the amount of jalapeños and taco seasoning to suit your taste preferences, as these ingredients can vary in spiciness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mexican Spinach Casserole Deluxe with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to brown the meat and onion before adding the other ingredients to develop rich flavors.

- Mix the ingredients well in the casserole dish to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt or dairy-free cream cheese as a substitute for the cream cheese for a lighter version of the casserole.

- Use fresh spinach instead of frozen spinach, but be sure to cook it down before adding it to the casserole.

Make Ahead Tips

Mexican Spinach Casserole Deluxe can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the casserole with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream before serving for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mexican Spinach Casserole Deluxe with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salsa for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Mexican Spinach Casserole Deluxe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mexican Spinach Casserole Deluxe contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mexican Spinach Casserole Deluxe contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mexican Spinach Casserole Deluxe contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Mexican Spinach Casserole Deluxe contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Mexican Spinach Casserole Deluxe is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese and cheese) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Mexican Spinach Casserole Deluxe is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is high in proteins and fats, making it a satisfying meal option.

Summary

Mexican Spinach Casserole Deluxe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. With a creamy and cheesy texture, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Mexican Spinach Casserole Deluxe. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a wonderful cook, always experimenting with new flavors and techniques. As soon as I walked in, I was enveloped in the intoxicating aroma of spices and herbs.

Maria greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "I have a new recipe to share with you today, mi amiga," she exclaimed. "It's a Mexican Spinach Casserole Deluxe that I learned from my grandmother many years ago. It's a family favorite, and I know you will love it."

I eagerly watched as Maria gathered the ingredients for the casserole - fresh spinach, creamy cheese, spicy jalapenos, and fragrant herbs. She explained each step of the recipe to me, her hands moving with practiced ease. As she cooked, she shared stories of her grandmother and the meals they used to prepare together.

I listened intently, soaking in every word and savoring the memories that Maria so generously shared with me. She spoke of her grandmother's love for cooking and how she passed down her recipes with patience and care. I could sense the deep connection Maria had to her family and their culinary traditions.

As the casserole baked in the oven, Maria and I sat at the kitchen table, enjoying a cup of steaming hot tea. She shared more stories of her grandmother and the moments they spent together in the kitchen. I could feel the love and pride in her voice as she spoke, and I knew that this recipe held a special place in her heart.

Finally, the casserole was ready, its cheesy crust golden and bubbling. Maria carefully served us each a generous portion, the aroma filling the kitchen with warmth and comfort. I took my first bite, and my taste buds exploded with flavor. The creamy cheese paired perfectly with the earthy spinach and the kick of the jalapenos.

I couldn't help but exclaim in delight, "Maria, this is absolutely delicious! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe with me." She smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with joy. "I'm so glad you enjoyed it, mi amiga. Cooking is my passion, and sharing these recipes with you brings me so much happiness."

From that day on, Mexican Spinach Casserole Deluxe became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on cozy evenings at home. Every time I cooked it, I thought of Maria and her grandmother, and the bond they shared over food and love.

Years passed, and I continued to refine the recipe, adding my own twists and variations. I shared it with friends and neighbors, who all raved about its delicious flavors and comforting textures. I even entered it into a local cooking competition, where it won first prize and earned me a spot in the newspaper.

But no matter how much success and recognition I received for my Mexican Spinach Casserole Deluxe, the true joy came from the memories it evoked and the connections it forged. I thought back to that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, and I felt grateful for the friendship and love that had brought this recipe into my life.

As I sit here now, surrounded by my family and friends, enjoying a steaming hot serving of Mexican Spinach Casserole Deluxe, I can't help but smile. Cooking has always been my passion, but it's the stories and traditions behind the recipes that truly make them special. And for that, I will always be grateful to Maria and her beloved grandmother for sharing their culinary legacy with me.