Pumpkin and Spinach Layered Rice Casserole
Layered with creamy pumpkin rice and cheesy spinach, everyone will love this Italian-inspired, holiday-worthy casserole.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Minute® Instant Jasmine Rice
- 1/2 can (14 oz can) pumpkin purée
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter, cut into cubes
- 1 1/4 tsp salt, divided
- 1 1/4 tsp black pepper, divided
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 5 oz spinach
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Categories
Instructions
Looking for a filling feast with fall flavors? It doesn’t get much creamier than combining sweet pumpkin purée with three gooey cheeses! Fold in a protein-rich egg, some fresh spinach, and fluffy jasmine rice for a truly satisfying meal.
Step 1
Prepare rice according to package directions.
Step 2
Stir in pumpkin purée, cream, butter, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper; set aside.
Step 3
Preheat oven to 375°F. Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet set over medium heat. Add spinach and garlic, and cook for 2-4 minutes or until wilted. Allow to cool completely. Squeeze out excess moisture, and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Step 4
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg and spinach. Stir in 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and remaining salt and pepper.
Step 5
Layer half of the rice mixture in a greased, 8-inch square baking dish. Top with spinach mixture, then top with remaining rice mixture. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Step 6
Cover with foil; bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil; bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
Substitute fontina for mozzarella cheese, if desired.
Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Categories
Get Compliments for the Complements
No matter if you’re planning the entire menu or just looking for another dish to bring along to Thanksgiving dinner, you’ll want to complete the meal with plates that pair well with this fall favorite.
Starters
Balance this rich casserole with a light salad. Packed with tart pomegranate seeds, peppery leafy greens, and fragrant jasmine rice, a Pomegranate and Arugula Rice Salad is the perfect pairing!
Sides
Satisfy your stuffing fix but mix it up with a new recipe! Our Cranberry Pecan Brown Rice Stuffing, tossed with celery, shallots and poultry seasoning, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Sweets
For a classic holiday dessert, our tempting Apple Cinnamon Rice Crisp never ceases to please. Only 10 of the 30 minutes is prep work – so you can go spend that time with your guests while your home fills up with those irresistible fall aromas. If you’re looking for a quick fix, this creamy Pumpkin Pie Rice Pudding can be finished in 5 minutes flat.
Family or Freezer
While this casserole can be served as a standalone family dinner or a hearty holiday side, it’s equally perfect to prepare for/as meal prep. Meal Ideas For One aren’t limited to single serving recipes: simplify your life by learning proper ways to meal prep.
Keep portioned leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Just transfer the single-serving meal to the fridge the night before! Whether it’s a convenient grab-and-go lunch or a homestyle dinner waiting for you after a long day, this casserole will not disappoint! For another option, try our easy Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe with Broccoli.
