Brown Rice and Spinach Casserole
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this hearty and wholesome Brown Rice and Spinach Casserole! Packed with nutrient-rich fresh spinach, hearty brown rice, and three kinds of cheese—sharp cheddar, creamy cottage cheese, and savory Parmesan—this dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and healthy eating. Infused with the aromatic flavors of garlic and a touch of olive oil, this baked casserole is easy to make and irresistibly satisfying. Topped with a bubbly golden cheese layer and optionally garnished with smoky paprika, it makes a delicious vegetarian main or side dish for any occasion. Prep it in just 15 minutes and bake to perfection for a nutritious, family-friendly meal that’s sure to impress. Keywords: brown rice casserole, spinach casserole, healthy comfort food, vegetarian casserole recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup (uncooked) Brown rice
- 2 cups Vegetable broth
- 6 cups (packed) Fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Large egg
- 1 cup Low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch casserole dish or a dish of similar size.
Rinse the brown rice under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30-35 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach in batches, stirring frequently, until wilted and reduced in volume. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg. Add the cottage cheese, 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Fold in the cooked brown rice and sautéed spinach into the cheese mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. If desired, sprinkle a light dusting of paprika on top for garnish.
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and slightly golden.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy hot as a main dish or a side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
370 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 21.5 g | 28% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.6 g | 48% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 88 mg | 29% | |
| Sodium | 1031 mg | 45% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24.8 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.3 g | ||
| Protein | 21.5 g | 43% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 396 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 339 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
