Savory Sauteed Mushroom, Spinach and Rice Casserole 🍄🌱🍚

This comforting casserole is a delightful blend of earthy mushrooms, vibrant spinach, and tender rice, baked to perfection. It's a one-pan wonder that makes for a hearty meal and is perfect for using up leftover rice. Whether you're serving it for dinner or as a side dish, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its rich flavors and textures!

Ingredients

For the casserole

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced (shiitake, cremini, or button)
• 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella for a melty topping)

For the topping

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works great for extra crunch!)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture, about 7-8 minutes.

🥄 For an added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar while sautéing the mushrooms!

4. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Season the mixture with thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.

5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed mushroom-spinach mixture, and broth. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.

6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

7. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the rice mixture.

8. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer.

9. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

10. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before garnishing with chopped fresh parsley.

🌿 Feel free to adjust the herbs according to your taste! Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can also enhance the flavors even more.

Variations

• Vegan: Substitute the cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Use a plant-based broth as well.
• Add Protein: Toss in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more filling meal!
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your vegetable broth is gluten-free.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sautéed mushroom mixture for a bit of heat!

This Savory Sauteed Mushroom, Spinach, and Rice Casserole is scrumptious and satisfying—perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week! Enjoy! 🍽️✨