Pumpkin and Spinach Layered Rice Casserole
After a cool, blustery day, it’s hard to beat a satisfying meal that provides comfort from the inside out. If you're looking for a filling feast, you can let your oven do the work with this Pumpkin and Spinach Layered Rice Casserole for an Italian-inspired solution. It doesn't get much creamier than combining sweet pumpkin puree, three gooey cheeses, a protein-rich egg, fresh spinach and fluffy jasmine rice; a truly satisfying meal. Courtesy of MINUTE® rice
Equipment
- 8 - inch square baking dish, greased
Ingredients
- 2 cups Minute® Instant Jasmine Rice
- 7 ounces pumpkin puree
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into cubes
- 1¼ teaspoons salt, divided
- 1¼ teaspoons black pepper, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 ounces spinach
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375℉.
- Prepare rice according to package directions. Stir in 7 ounces pumpkin puree, ½ cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons cubed butter, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add to skillet, 5 ounces spinach and 1 minced garlic glove. Cook 2 to 4 minutes or until wilted. Let cool completely and squeeze out excess moisture. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
- In a medium bowl, add 1 cup ricotta, 1 slightly beaten egg, and spinach mixture. Mix well.
- In the same bowl, add 1 cup mozzarella cheese, ½ cup parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Mix well.
- Spread half the rice mixture in the bottom of a greased square baking dish. Top with spinach mixture and remaining rice.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup remaining mozzarella and ¼ cup remaining parmesan cheese.
- Cover casserole with foil. Bake 30 minutes
- Remove foil. Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!
About the Author
In 1974, Family Features began creating and distributing free, full-page color editorial features for newspapers. It is a leading source for high-quality food, lifestyle and home, and garden content. It provides readers with topically and seasonally relevant tips, takeaways, information recipes, videos, infographics and more. These formatted features combine attractive photography, kitchen-tested recipes, and tips from national brands and associations. (source: minute rice)