Introduction
If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal with a gourmet twist, this Spinach and Artichoke Hamburger Rice Bake is the perfect choice. It’s a delicious casserole-style dish that marries the savory flavors of ground beef with the creamy goodness of spinach and artichoke dip. This all-in-one dish is topped with a blend of mozzarella, spinach, and artichokes, giving it a beautiful, bubbly finish. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner or an event, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for making ahead of time.
Ingredients:
For the Hamburger Rice Bake:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or basmati)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach (frozen spinach works too; be sure to drain it well)
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese (for the bake)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Spinach Artichoke Dip-inspired Sauce:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup cooked spinach (drained if using frozen)
- 1/2 cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or nonstick spray to ensure easy removal of the bake later.
Step 2: Cook the ground beef In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onions until they are soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef (or turkey), breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned (about 7-10 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the spinach and artichoke mix In the same skillet, add the fresh spinach (or drained frozen spinach). Cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the chopped artichoke hearts and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the spinach artichoke dip-inspired sauce In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine the rice, ground beef, and sauce In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, browned ground beef, and the prepared spinach artichoke dip-inspired sauce. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Add 1/2 cup of grated mozzarella and 1/2 cup of Parmesan to the mixture for an extra cheesy flavor.
Step 6: Assemble the rice bake Transfer the mixture into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the dish.
Step 7: Prepare and add the topping For the topping, mix together the cooked spinach, chopped artichokes, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Evenly distribute this mixture over the rice and beef base in the baking dish.
Step 8: Bake Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Step 9: Serve Allow the bake to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, and enjoy!
COOKING Note:
- Ground Beef Alternatives: You can use ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter alternative.
- Rice Substitutes: Brown rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa can be used instead of white rice for a healthier base.
- Make-Ahead Option: This dish can be prepped a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this Spinach and Artichoke Hamburger Rice Bake with a simple green salad on the side for a well-rounded meal.
- For an extra punch of flavor, drizzle with a bit of hot sauce or sprinkle with red pepper flakes when serving.
- Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices make excellent side items to soak up the creamy sauce from the dish.
Tips:
- Drain the artichokes and spinach well: If using canned artichokes or frozen spinach, be sure to drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the bake.
- Extra cheesy topping: For a richer top layer, consider adding some grated sharp cheddar cheese into the topping mixture.
- Gluten-free option: Make sure to use gluten-free rice and other ingredients to cater to gluten-free dietary needs.
- Vegetarian version: You can make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and adding mushrooms or extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for heartiness.
- Customization: Feel free to tweak the seasonings according to your preference. Add more garlic for a stronger flavor or some fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
50 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 22g
- Sodium: 850mg
Conclusion
This Spinach and Artichoke Hamburger Rice Bake is the perfect marriage of comfort food and gourmet flavors. It offers a creamy, cheesy experience packed with the richness of spinach and artichoke, while the ground beef and rice give it a hearty, satisfying touch. Whether you’re preparing this dish for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to different tastes and dietary needs. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll be adding it to your meal rotation in no time!
Print
Spinach and Artichoke Hamburger Rice Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Hamburger Rice Bake:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or basmati)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach (frozen spinach works too; be sure to drain it well)
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese (for the bake)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Spinach Artichoke Dip-inspired Sauce:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup cooked spinach (drained if using frozen)
- 1/2 cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or nonstick spray to ensure easy removal of the bake later.
Step 2: Cook the ground beef In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onions until they are soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef (or turkey), breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned (about 7-10 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the spinach and artichoke mix In the same skillet, add the fresh spinach (or drained frozen spinach). Cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the chopped artichoke hearts and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the spinach artichoke dip-inspired sauce In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine the rice, ground beef, and sauce In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, browned ground beef, and the prepared spinach artichoke dip-inspired sauce. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Add 1/2 cup of grated mozzarella and 1/2 cup of Parmesan to the mixture for an extra cheesy flavor.
Step 6: Assemble the rice bake Transfer the mixture into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the dish.
Step 7: Prepare and add the topping For the topping, mix together the cooked spinach, chopped artichokes, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Evenly distribute this mixture over the rice and beef base in the baking dish.
Step 8: Bake Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Step 9: Serve Allow the bake to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sodium: 850mg
- Protein: 22g