Cheesy Hamburger, Rice, and Spinach Casserole

10m
Prep Time

60m
Cook Time

1h 10m
Ready In

Recipe: #14230

September 10, 2014

Categories: Casseroles, Ground Beef, Rice, White Rice, Spinach, Potluck, Sunday Dinner, Oven Bake, Beef Dinner, Ground Beef Dinner, more

recipe by:
Kchurchill5

"This goes way back. This recipe was from a small northern Michigan church's cookbook, where my family had our vacation home. It is old school cooking; but, definitely comfort food. It was one of my Dad's favorite dinners. Don't expect fancy; but, there is never any left. Just add a salad, and crusty bread."

Original is 5 servings

Metric US

I've Tried It

Nutritional

Serving Size: 1 (615.9 g)
Calories 783.8
Total Fat - 37.8 g
Saturated Fat - 15.8 g
Cholesterol - 293.9 mg
Sodium - 1907.7 mg
Total Carbohydrate - 50.9 g
Dietary Fiber - 4.7 g
Sugars - 10 g
Protein - 59.1 g
Calcium - 713.1 mg
Iron - 9.1 mg
Vitamin C - 32 mg
Thiamin - 0.4 mg

Step 1

Rice ... Cook the rice according to package directions. Remove from the heat, fluff using a fork, and set to the side. This can easily be made ahead of time.

Step 2

Beef ... In a large saute pan, add the olive oil and bring to medium high heat. Add the onion, ground beef, and garlic; and saute, stirring often, until the beef if no longer pink. Make sure to break up the beef as it cooks. It should take about 10 minutes. Don't rush it - you may need to turn down the heat, if the beef begins to brown. Note: If you are using a non-stick pan, you can use a bit less oil.

Step 3

Casserole ... I like to use a 4-5 quart casserole, round or square is fine - then, spray with a non-stick spray. Add the beef mixture, and spread on the bottom. Then, top with the spinach (which is thawed and squeezed dry), cooked rice, and 1 cup of the cheese. I prefer to grate my own cheese if possible. Using a fork, lightly mix all the layers. You don't want it all mixed through; but, you want to incorporate some of the layers.

Step 4

Eggs and Milk ... Add the eggs, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to a bowl; and mix to combine. Pour over the casserole.

Step 5

Bake ... In a 350 degree oven, middle shelf, covered for 30 minutes. Then, uncover, top with 1 cup of the tomato sauce, the remaining cheese; and, bake an additional 15-20 minutes. You want the casserole bubbly, and the cheese melted and golden brown.

Step 6

Serve and ENJOY! ... Heat up the remaining sauce in the microwave to serve on the side. I usually use a square dish; so, I cut the dish in squares; and, top each piece with the extra sauce. A little parmesan is a nice garnish. Serve with a salad and crusty bread - for a nice comfort food dinner.