Get ready to enjoy a flavorful twist on a classic comfort dish with this Spinach Rice Casserole With Feta Cheese! Packed with tender spinach, creamy feta, and perfectly cooked rice, it’s a one-dish wonder that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Whether you're planning a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side, this spinach rice bake is sure to hit the spot!

Why You'll Love This Spinach And Rice Casserole
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick prep make this spinach rice bake perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or a side; it pairs well with everything!
- Delicious Flavor: The creamy feta and savory spinach create a perfectly balanced, comforting bite every time.
Ingredients
- Olive Oil: Adds a layer of richness to the dish, providing a smooth foundation for sautéing ingredients.
- Shallot: Offers a mild sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile with a subtle onion-like taste.
- Spinach: Packed with nutrition, it brings a vibrant color and a healthy boost of vitamins and minerals.
- Garlic: Introduces a warm, aromatic quality, infusing the casserole with a savory depth.
- Cooked Brown Rice: Contributes heartiness and texture, making the casserole filling and satisfying. Here is a simple recipe for Cooking Your Brown Rice!
- Feta Cheese: Infuses a tangy, salty flavor, adding a creamy contrast to the dish.
- Dry Dill: Provides an herbaceous note, complementing the other flavors with its fresh, slightly sweet aroma.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning, these enhance and balance the flavors of the casserole.
- Eggs: Act as a binding agent, ensuring the ingredients meld together seamlessly.
- Sour Cream: Adds a touch of creaminess, enriching the texture and flavor of the casserole.
- Lemon Juice: Delivers a burst of brightness, enhancing the overall taste with a slight tang.
Variations
- Swap the Herbs: Replace dill with basil, oregano, or mint for a new flavor profile.
- Add Chicken: Turn this into a hearty rice chicken spinach casserole by adding cooked, shredded chicken to the mix. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for a quick addition, or use grilled or baked chicken breast for a leaner option.
- Make It Creamier: Stir in a handful of parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, cheddar cheese, or Monterey Jack cheese for an extra cheesy spinach rice casserole.
- Go Mediterranean: Toss in sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or artichoke hearts to give the casserole a Mediterranean twist.
How To Make Spinach And Rice Bake
Step One: Preheat the Oven to 425°F (220°C). Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Sauté the shallots until tender,
Step Two: Add the spinach and garlic, cooking until the spinach is just warmed. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Step Three: Combine the cooked spinach mixture with rice, feta cheese, dill, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Step Four: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and sour cream until smooth.
Step Five: Pour the egg and sour cream into the rice mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine.
Step Six: Spread the mixture evenly in the skillet, smoothing the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is light golden brown.
Step Seven: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle.
Step Eight: Serve your spinach rice casserole on its own or with your favorite meat dish.
Tips To Nail This Spinach Rice Casserole Recipe
- Use Fresh or Frozen Spinach: Fresh spinach adds vibrant flavor, but frozen spinach works just as well—just be sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture before cooking.
- Cook Your Rice Ahead: Use leftover rice or prepare it in advance to save time when assembling the casserole.
- Choose Your Feta Wisely: Opt for high-quality feta for a creamier texture and more robust flavor. Crumble it finely to distribute it evenly.
How To Store Rice And Spinach Bake
- Refrigerate: Allow your spinach and rice casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to keep it fresh.
- Freeze: For longer storage, slice the spinach and feta bake into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm your spinach and rice casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick and easy meal. Adding a splash of water or broth when reheating helps maintain its moist texture.
What To Serve With Spinach Rice Casserole?
You can serve your cheesy spinach rice recipe with one of the following:
- Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: A zesty, light protein to balance the dish.
- Roasted Broccolini: Charred and crispy greens for a textural contrast.
- Greek Feta Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
- Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks: Warm, cheesy, and perfect for dipping.
- Pan Fried Creamy Salmon: A rich and flavorful pairing that complements the casserole.
FAQ'S
Yes, you can use frozen chopped spinach instead of fresh. It’s a convenient and equally delicious option that works perfectly in this recipe. Just swap it in and enjoy!
Yes, you can cook Spinach Rice Casserole in a baking dish! Simply transfer the mixture to a prepared baking dish, spread it evenly, and bake as directed. A 9×13-inch dish works well for most recipes.
No, you don’t have to use brown rice! You can substitute it with white rice, basmati rice, or even quinoa, depending on your preference. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for the type of rice you choose.
Spinach Rice Casserole With Feta Cheese
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp. Olive Oil
- ½ Cup Shallot Chopped Fine
- 10 oz. Frozen Spinach Thawed, Squeezed
- 2 tbsp. Garlic Minced
- 3 Cups Brown Rice Cooked
- ¾ Cup Feta Cheese Crumbled
- 1 tsp. Dry Dill
- Pinch Salt
- Pinch Pepper
- 4 Eggs
- ¼ Cup Sour Cream
- 1 tbsp. Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven to 425°F (220°C). Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Sauté the shallots until tender.
- Add the spinach and garlic, cooking until the spinach is just warmed. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Combine the cooked spinach mixture with rice, feta cheese, dill, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and sour cream until smooth.
- Pour the egg and sour cream into the rice mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the skillet, smoothing the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is light golden brown.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle.
- Serve your spinach rice casserole on its own or with your favorite meat dish.