Rice Spinach Bake
Elevate your next family dinner with this comforting Rice Spinach Bake, a perfect blend of rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. This easy-to-make casserole combines fluffy white rice, tender spinach, and a savory mixture of sautéed onions, garlic, and creamy cheeses. Bound together with eggs and milk, then baked to golden perfection, this dish emerges from the oven bubbling with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen spinach, this recipe is a versatile way to incorporate nutrient-packed greens into your meal. With hints of paprika for added flair, the Rice Spinach Bake is a satisfying vegetarian main or a hearty side dish that’s ready in under an hour—ideal for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups water
- 4 cups spinach (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 eggs
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
- non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the rice. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the white rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
If using fresh spinach, rinse and roughly chop it. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess water.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Finely chop the yellow onion and mince the garlic. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes or until softened, then add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted (if fresh) or heated through (if frozen). Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Add the cooked rice and the spinach mixture to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Spread the rice and spinach mixture evenly in the dish.
Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the top.
If desired, sprinkle paprika over the top for added color and flavor.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown on top.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Rice Spinach Bake!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1585 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 89.2 g | 114% | |
| Saturated Fat | 48.9 g | 244% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 620 mg | 207% | |
| Sodium | 5067 mg | 220% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 98.6 g | 36% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.6 g | 59% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.7 g | ||
| Protein | 102.7 g | 205% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.8 mcg | 24% | |
| Calcium | 2693 mg | 207% | |
| Iron | 19.1 mg | 106% | |
| Potassium | 4124 mg | 88% | |
*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.
