Rustic Italian Beef and Spinach Bake
A comforting dish that brings the heart and soul of Italian cuisine directly to your table, featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, spinach, and creamy cauliflower rice.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil A rich base that adds lusciousness
- 1 small yellow onion, diced Sweetness that caramelizes beautifully
- 3 cloves garlic, minced An aromatic punch that enhances the overall flavor
- 1 pound lean ground beef A hearty, protein-rich foundation
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning A fragrant blend that brings the essence of Italy
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika Adds warmth and subtle sweetness
- Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper, to taste Essential seasonings for balance
Vegetable Ingredients
- 6 ounces fresh baby spinach A fresh, vibrant addition boosting nutrition
- 10 ounces frozen cauliflower rice, cooked according to the directions on the bag A creamy base alternative
Creamy Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream A smooth component adding richness
- 1 tablespoon butter, room temperature For creaminess and flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil An herbal note that complements the dish
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk, if needed To adjust the creaminess
Topping Ingredients
- 8 ounces shredded Italian blend cheese A gooey, melty topping that crowns the bake beautifully
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced onions and cook for about 2 minutes until tender and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 20 seconds.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and season with Italian seasoning, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook while breaking apart the meat until fully browned.
- Toss in fresh spinach in batches if needed, cooking for about a minute until wilted. Remove skillet from heat and drain excess liquid.
Assembly
- In a large 9×13-inch baking dish, combine cooked cauliflower rice, sour cream, room-temperature butter, and dried basil. Stir until everything is creamy and well-integrated. Add milk if mixture feels too thick.
- Incorporate the prepared beef and spinach mixture into the baking dish and stir until fully combined.
- Top generously with shredded Italian blend cheese. Place in the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Let the bake stand for 7 to 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Notes
Consider adding red pepper flakes for heat, or sprinkle fresh basil or oregano on top before serving. Mix cheeses like mozzarella or provolone for variety. You can also swap ground beef for turkey or chicken, and add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.