This Spinach and Ground Beef Potato Bake with Cheese is a hearty, satisfying casserole that layers fresh spinach, savory ground beef, and creamy mashed potatoes. Topped with a mix of Parmigiano Reggiano and Italian-style cheese, it bakes to golden perfection. This dish is perfect for family dinners, offering a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and comforting mashed potatoes. The flavors of sautéed shallots, seasonings, and cheese combine to create a deliciously layered bake that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Casserole Layers:

• Spinach: 20 oz, fresh or frozen (thawed and drained)
• Ground Beef: 0.75 lb (approximately 12 oz)
• Boiled Potatoes: 4 medium, peeled and cubed
• Egg: 1 large
• Shallot: 1 large, finely chopped
• Dried Chopped Onion: 2 tbsp
• Milk: 4 oz
• Butter: 1 tbsp
• Olive Oil: 1-2 tbsp for cooking
• Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan Cheese): 1/2 cup, grated
• Italian Style Six Blend Cheese: 1 cup, grated

For Seasoning:

• Salt: to taste
• Black Pepper: to taste
• Paprika: to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Spinach:

1. Sauté the Spinach:
   In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the spinach, cooking until it wilts down and the moisture evaporates. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside in a bowl to cool.

2. Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture:

1. Cook the Ground Beef and Shallots:
   In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the chopped shallot until translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Add dried chopped onion, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of paprika for flavor.
2. Combine with Spinach:
   Once the beef is cooked through, stir in the cooked spinach, mixing well to combine. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Make the Mashed Potatoes:

1. Boil and Mash the Potatoes:
   If not pre-boiled, cook the potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and transfer to a bowl.
2. Add Milk, Butter, and Seasonings:
   Mash the potatoes with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasonings to taste. Let cool slightly, then mix in the egg to help bind the potatoes during baking.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

1. Layer the Ingredients:
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, spread half of the mashed potatoes in an even layer at the bottom. Follow with a layer of the ground beef and spinach mixture, then top with the remaining mashed potatoes.
2. Add Cheese:
   Sprinkle the Parmigiano Reggiano and Italian-style six-blend cheese evenly over the top layer of mashed potatoes.

5. Bake the Casserole:

1. Bake Until Golden:
   Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown, and the casserole is heated through.
2. Cool Slightly and Serve:
   Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the layers set. Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of extra cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving, assuming 6 servings):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 2g

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use different greens instead of spinach?
Yes, kale or Swiss chard can be used as a substitute, though they may need a bit more cooking time to become tender.

Q2: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative, lentils, or chopped mushrooms for a hearty, vegetarian option.

Q3: Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Tips for Making the Best Spinach and Ground Beef Potato Bake

1. Use Fresh Spinach if Possible:
   Fresh spinach gives a better flavor, though frozen spinach works well if thawed and drained thoroughly.
2. Sauté Shallots for Extra Flavor:
   Sautéing the shallots with ground beef enhances the flavor of the entire dish, adding a mild sweetness.
3. Let the Casserole Rest:
   Allowing the bake to rest for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
4. Customize the Cheese Topping:
   If you prefer a sharper flavor, substitute half the Italian blend cheese with sharp cheddar or Gruyère.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration:
  Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Freezing:
  This casserole can be frozen before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. If freezing unbaked, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Conclusion

This Spinach and Ground Beef Potato Bake with Cheese offers a comforting, layered casserole that’s sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of spinach, beef, and creamy potatoes topped with melted cheese is both satisfying and nourishing, making it an ideal family-friendly meal. Easy to customize and perfect for making ahead, this casserole is versatile enough for weeknight dinners or even gatherings. With its rich, layered flavors and cozy texture, this dish brings warmth and flavor to your dinner table. Enjoy each bite of this comforting and delicious casserole!