Spinach Veggie Casserole

Lots of spinach, lots of rice and lots of cheese in this hearty casserole. Cheddar cheese, hot sauce and spinach are added to a flour roux, and then combined with vegetables and rice in a large casserole dish. Makes four generous servings.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 50 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
• Calories: 404 Calories

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups milk
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 ¾ cups water
• ½ cup dried bread crumbs, seasoned
• ¾ cup white rice
• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
• 1 (15 ounce) can white corn, drained

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine water and rice in a small saucepan, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.

Step 2

Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Mix flour into the butter slowly, stirring constantly. Whisk in milk a small amount at time until smooth. Cook over a medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly. Stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese, salt, pepper, and hot sauce; stir until the cheese melts. Stir in spinach.

Step 3

Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onion, garlic, bell pepper, and corn in oil until tender, stirring frequently.

Step 4

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large casserole dish, combine rice, spinach-cheese mixture, and onion mixture. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole, dot with 2 tablespoons butter, and top with remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.

Step 5

Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until cheese topping melts.