SPINACH VEGGIE CASSEROLE

Spinach Veggie Casserole image

Lots of spinach, lots of rice and lots of cheese in this hearty casserole. Very tasty and hearty main course.

Provided by LGUROWITZ

Categories Main Dish Recipes Casserole Recipes Rice

Time 1h15m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

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

Steps:

Combine water and rice in a small saucepan, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.
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.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onion, garlic, bell pepper, and corn in oil until tender, stirring frequently.
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.
Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until cheese topping melts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 404.2 calories, Carbohydrate 40.7 g, Cholesterol 48.9 mg, Fat 20.9 g, Fiber 4.3 g, Protein 16.3 g, SaturatedFat 10.8 g, Sodium 499.6 mg, Sugar 6.6 g