SLOW-COOKER SPINACH & RICE

Slow-Cooker Spinach & Rice image

I started making this in the slow cooker to save oven space during the holidays. It's so convenient, I no longer reserve it for special occasions!-Erica Polly, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 3h20m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 cups uncooked converted rice
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir 4-6 minutes or until tender. Add garlic and thyme; cook 1 minute longer. Add broth; bring to a simmer. Remove from heat. Stir in spinach, cream cheese, salt and pepper until blended. Transfer to a 4-qt. slow cooker. Stir in rice., Cook, covered, 3-4 hours or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, stirring halfway through cooking. Remove insert; top with cheddar cheese. Let stand, covered, 20 minutes. Top with bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 488 calories, Fat 25g fat (14g saturated fat), Cholesterol 71mg cholesterol, Sodium 1016mg sodium, Carbohydrate 48g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 19g protein.