Best 10 Skinny Spinach And Rice Casserole Recipes

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Calling all health-conscious foodies! Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful culinary creation that combines the goodness of spinach, the versatility of rice, and a symphony of flavorful ingredients. ThisSkinny Spinach and Rice Casserole is not just a meal; it's an explosion of taste and nutrition, packed with an array of recipes that cater to various dietary preferences.

The classic recipe embraces the simplicity of fresh spinach, long-grain rice, and a creamy sauce, resulting in a comforting and satisfying dish. For those seeking a vegan alternative, a dedicated recipe offers a plant-based version that swaps dairy for almond milk and nutritional yeast, delivering a creamy and flavorful experience without compromising taste.

If you're gluten-free, there's a special recipe just for you. This variation uses gluten-free rice and a careful selection of ingredients to ensure a delicious and inclusive dish. And for those with a preference for brown rice, a separate recipe caters to your choice, offering a nuttier flavor and additional fiber.

Each recipe provides detailed instructions, ingredient lists, and cooking times, making it easy for home cooks of all skill levels to create this wholesome and delicious casserole. Whether you're a vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or simply seeking a healthier option, this article has a recipe that will satisfy your cravings.

Let's cook with our recipes!

RICE WITH SPINACH



Rice with Spinach image

Provided by Gina

Categories     Side Dish

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup long grain rice
1 chicken or vegetable bullion
2 cups water
2 tsp butter
10 oz frozen spinach (thawed)
2 cloves garlic
2 tsp olive oil
salt
fresh grated cheese (optional)

Steps:

  • In a small heavy pot, melt butter.
  • Add rice and saute about 1 minute.
  • Add water and bullion and bring to a boil.
  • When all liquid evaporates, reduce flame to low and cover.
  • Cook about 15 minutes.
  • Shut flame off and keep covered another 5 minutes to let the steam finish cooking the rice.
  • Meanwhile, in a saute pan, heat olive oil.
  • Add garlic and saute until golden.
  • Add spinach and salt, mixing well for about 4 minutes.
  • Toss rice with spinach and top with good grating cheese like Pecorino Romano.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 172.6 kcal, Carbohydrate 32.3 g, Protein 4.1 g, Fat 2.9 g, Fiber 1.8 g, ServingSize 1 serving

SKINNY SPINACH AND RICE CASSEROLE



Skinny Spinach and Rice Casserole image

72% less sat fat • 43% fewer calories • 61% less fat than the original recipe. Give a favorite casserole a makeover using brown rice for whole-grain benefits.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 teaspoons olive oil
3 medium carrots, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
2/3 cup chopped celery
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 3/4 cups water
1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed 98% fat-free cream of mushroom soup
2 boxes (9 oz each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained
1 1/2 cups uncooked instant brown rice
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup diced cooked ham
3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese (3 oz)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
  • In 3-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add carrots, celery, onion and garlic; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water and soup; heat to boiling. Add spinach, rice, Italian seasoning and pepper; return to boiling. Remove from heat; stir in ham, 1/4 cup of the Cheddar cheese and the Parmesan cheese. Spread in baking dish. Cover with foil.
  • Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese. Let stand uncovered 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 220, Carbohydrate 26 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Fat 1/2, Fiber 3 g, Protein 12 g, SaturatedFat 2 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 780 mg, Sugar 3 g, TransFat 0 g

SPINACH RICE CASSEROLE



Spinach Rice Casserole image

Spinach Rice Casserole is a cheesy, comforting hug that is much more than the sum of its parts. This simple heritage recipe finds new fans today. Serve with a salad, for lunch or dinner.

Time 1h

Yield Serves 6.

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 cups cooked rice {She used white, I use brown}
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained (no need to squeeze it bone dry)
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon finely minced onion {I use 1/4 cup chopped shallot or onion}
1/2 teaspoon salt {I use seasoned salt}
3/4 pound (12 ounces) grated sharp Cheddar cheese (I used 10 ounces Kerrygold Reserve Cheddar}
1 cup milk
4 eggs

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350F degrees. Lightly mist a casserole dish with nonstick spray. I usually use a pretty oval dish, but you could use an 8- or 9-inch square dish if you like.
  • In a large bowl, add cooked rice, spinach, butter, onion, salt and cheese. In a 4-cup measure, pour milk and add eggs. Whisk to combine. Pour into the bowl with rice-spinach mixture and stir well to combine.
  • Pour into prepared casserole dish and bake for 45 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and serve.
  • Serves 6.

SPINACH AND BROWN RICE CASSEROLE



Spinach and Brown Rice Casserole image

Provided by Jane E. Brody

Categories     casseroles, side dish

Time 40m

Yield 8 servings; an 8-ounce serving has about 210 calories

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 tablespoon oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
1 clove garlic
1 egg
1 tablespoon whole-wheat flour
2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, drained
3 cups cooked brown rice
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Heat oil in Dutch oven, and saute onion, mushrooms and garlic until tender.
  • In a small bowl, mix egg, flour and cottage cheese. Add to sauteed vegetables, along with the spinach. Stir in rice, pepper, thyme and 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese.
  • Turn into a greased 12-by-8-inch baking dish, and top with sunflower seeds and remaining Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake for at least 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 203, UnsaturatedFat 4 grams, Carbohydrate 25 grams, Fat 6 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 12 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 261 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams

RICE AND SPINACH CASSEROLE WITH BASIL



Rice and Spinach Casserole with Basil image

In this neo-casserole, a crisp crust of Parmesan and rice stands in for pastry, and luscious ricotta -- rather than cream -- cushions sauteed basil, spinach and zucchini.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Main Dish Recipes     Casserole Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 11

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
2/3 cup long-grain brown rice
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for dish
2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced crosswise
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1 1/2 pounds fresh spinach
2 cups loosely packed fresh basil
1 1/4 cups ricotta cheese (about 9 ounces), drained for 30 minutes
5 large eggs
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (from a 1-ounce piece)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add rice, stir once, and cook until tender, about 25 minutes. Drain.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, garlic, and scallions, and cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium, and cook, stirring often, until tender, 3 minutes more. Season with salt, and transfer to a bowl.
  • Return pan to medium heat, and add remaining tablespoon oil. Add spinach, and cook for 2 minutes. Add basil, and cook, stirring occasionally, until bright green and wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Drain.
  • Whisk ricotta and eggs in a large bowl. Add 1 1/2 cups cooked rice to mixture. Stir in cooked zucchini and spinach-basil mixtures. Add 3/4 teaspoon salt, and season with pepper.
  • Combine Parmesan and remaining cooked rice in a small bowl. Lightly coat a 9-inch round baking dish, 2 inches deep, with oil, and spoon ricotta mixture into dish. Top with Parmesan-rice mixture. Bake until filling is set and top is golden, 35 to 40 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.

RICE SPINACH CASSEROLE



Rice Spinach Casserole image

"This nicely seasoned casserole combines popular rice and the goodness of fresh spinach," says Mathilda Navias of Tiffin, Ohio. "Topped with Parmesan cheese, it's a savory side dish with any meat."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 45m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon olive oil
1-1/2 cups uncooked long grain rice
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups water
1 package (10 ounces) fresh spinach, torn
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, saute onion in oil until tender. Add rice; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add broth and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in the spinach, salt and pepper; cook until spinach is wilted., Transfer to a 2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cover and bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until rice is tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 174 calories, Fat 2g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 386mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CREAMY CHICKEN, RICE AND SPINACH CASSEROLE



Creamy Chicken, Rice and Spinach Casserole image

Underneath that crispy layer of crushed corn flakes is a creamy combination of tender chicken, chopped spinach and brown rice. Best. Casserole. Ever.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Home

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
2 cups instant brown rice, uncooked
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained
2 cups fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 can (10-3/4 oz.) reduced-sodium condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Cheddar & Monterey Jack Cheeses
1-1/2 cups crushed corn flakes
2 Tbsp. margarine, melted

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 400ºF.
  • Combine all ingredients except corn flake crumbs and margarine; spoon into 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.
  • Mix remaining ingredients; sprinkle over chicken mixture. Cover.
  • Bake 45 min. or until heated through, uncovering for the last 5 min.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 420, Fat 13 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 65 mg, Sodium 730 mg, Carbohydrate 47 g, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 2 g, Protein 27 g

SPINACH AND RICE CASSEROLE



Spinach and Rice Casserole image

I cut this out of either a copy of Light and Tasty or Simple and Delicious years ago. We enjoy this with simple roasted meat, but I can eat it on its own as a main dish.

Provided by DeniseBC

Categories     White Rice

Time 1h

Yield 1 casserole, 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (10 ounce) bag fresh spinach
1 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 1/2 cups uncooked rice
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Tear spinach into bite sized pieces, removing stems and set aside.
  • In a large saucepan, saute onion in olive oil until tender. Add rice. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Add chicken broth and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Stir in spinach, salt and pepper and cook until spinach is wilted.
  • Transfer mixture to a 2 quart prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese.
  • Cover and bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes or until rice is tender. Remove lid and turn oven to broil to brown cheese a bit.

SPINACH RICE BAKE



Spinach Rice Bake image

This is one of my best, most requested spinach recipes. It's tasty.-Kathy Kittell, Lenexa, Kansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach
1 cup cooked long grain rice
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/3 cup 2% milk
3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Steps:

  • Cook spinach according to package directions; drain well. Add the remaining ingredients. Transfer to a greased 1-qt. baking dish. , Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake 20-25 minutes longer or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 273 calories, Fat 17g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 154mg cholesterol, Sodium 330mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 13g protein.

BAKED SPINACH RICE



Baked Spinach Rice image

A favorite family casserole, updated. My mother served this as a side dish for company. I have adapted it, using fresh spinach and other embellishments.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     casseroles, side dish

Time 1h

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 pound spinach (about 2 bunches), washed
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, such as Carolina or jasmine
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons butter, plus more to butter the baking dish
1 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 cup ricotta
1 cup grated Gruyère or other Swiss cheese
1/4 cup currants
Pinch of grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon chopped thyme
1 teaspoon chopped sage

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add spinach and wilt for 30 seconds. Remove with a wire mesh spider or tongs and rinse in a colander with cold water. Squeeze dry and chop roughly.
  • In the same pot, boil the rice for 10 minutes, keeping it slightly underdone. Drain and spread on a baking sheet to cool, then transfer to a large bowl.
  • Heat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 2-quart soufflé dish (or other baking dish) and dust with about 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add almonds and cook, stirring, until golden, about 2 minutes. Season lightly with salt and add contents of skillet to rice.
  • Add remaining Parmesan to rice, along with the ricotta, Gruyère, currants, nutmeg, lemon zest, thyme and sage. Season lightly with salt and add pepper to taste. Add chopped spinach and gently toss rice with hands or wooden spoons to distribute ingredients evenly. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. (May be prepared up to this point several hours in advance of baking.)
  • Cover and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 minutes more, until top is browned.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 348, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 14 grams, Fat 24 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 22 grams, SaturatedFat 13 grams, Sodium 633 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

  • Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach has a more vibrant flavor and color than frozen spinach. If you only have frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and squeeze out as much water as possible before using.
  • Cook the rice ahead of time: This will save you time on the day you make the casserole. You can cook the rice up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth: This will help to keep the casserole from being too salty. You can also use vegetable broth if you prefer.
  • Don't overcook the spinach: Overcooked spinach will become mushy and lose its flavor. Cook it just until it is wilted.
  • Use a variety of cheeses: This will add more flavor and complexity to the casserole. Cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan are all good choices.
  • Top the casserole with bread crumbs: This will give it a crispy topping. You can use seasoned bread crumbs or plain bread crumbs.
  • Bake the casserole until it is golden brown and bubbly: This will ensure that it is cooked through.

Conclusion:

This skinny spinach and rice casserole is a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With its creamy spinach and rice filling, cheesy topping, and crispy bread crumb topping, this casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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