Delicious Greens and Mozzarella Casserole Recipe
This delightful Greens and Mozzarella Casserole is a wonderfully satisfying dish that not only caters to vegetarians but also fits neatly into a low-carb diet. The creamy texture combined with the rich flavors of cheese and greens creates an enticing meal that is both nutritious and filling. You can prepare this dish quickly, with a total time of just one hour, including a prep time of forty minutes and a cooking time of twenty minutes. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole offers a delightful way to incorporate healthy greens into your diet while indulging in the rich creaminess of mozzarella and ricotta cheeses.
Recipe Details
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Recipe Name | Greens and Mozzarella Casserole |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Prep Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour |
| Servings | 6 |
| Category | One Dish Meal |
| Rating | 5 stars (7 reviews) |
| Calories | 252.3 per serving |
| Fat Content | 19.7 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 12.2 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 60.5 mg |
| Sodium Content | 299.3 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 9.3 g |
| Fiber Content | 0.3 g |
| Sugar Content | 0.5 g |
| Protein Content | 9.9 g |
Ingredients
This recipe uses a medley of ingredients to create a creamy and savory casserole that your whole family will love.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Greens (such as spinach, kale, or collards) | 1½ lbs |
| Chicken (optional for non-vegetarians) | 1 cup (cooked, shredded) |
| Vegetable broth | 1 cup |
| Half-and-half | 1 cup |
| Butter | 4 tbsp |
| Margarine | ¼ cup |
| All-purpose flour | ½ cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ½ cup |
| Ricotta cheese | 3 tbsp |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 2 cups |
| Salt and pepper (to taste) | – |
| Bread crumbs (for topping) | ¼ cup |
Instructions
Creating this luscious casserole is a straightforward process that involves a few key steps, ensuring you get the best flavors out of your ingredients while keeping the preparation manageable.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Begin by buttering a 1½-quart baking dish or casserole. Preheat your oven to 375°F (or 350°F if you are using an oven-proof glass dish).
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Prepare the Greens: Start by removing and discarding the tough stems from the greens. If you are using sturdier greens like kale or collards, make sure to cut out the thick center ribs. Rinse all the greens under cool running water to remove any dirt, then shake off any excess moisture. Chop the greens into ½-inch pieces for even cooking.
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Cook the Greens: In a large skillet, place the chopped greens over low heat. Add them in handfuls, stirring as they wilt down, which will help to evenly distribute the heat. If you find the greens are getting too dry, feel free to add about ½ cup of water to the skillet. Cover the skillet and braise the greens for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until they become tender and wilted.
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Season the Greens: Once the greens are tender, carefully pour off any remaining liquid from the skillet. Season the greens with salt and pepper to your liking, then transfer them to a bowl and set them aside to cool slightly.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a separate saucepan, heat the vegetable broth and half-and-half together just until bubbles begin to form around the edge of the pan. While this heats, take a large skillet and melt the butter over low heat. Add in the flour, stirring continuously for about one minute to create a roux.
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Combine the Sauce Ingredients: Once your roux is ready, pour the hot broth mixture into the skillet all at once, whisking it as you go to avoid any lumps. Continue stirring over medium heat until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
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Incorporate the Cheeses: Remove the skillet from heat and whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese and ricotta until everything is well combined and the cheeses are melted into the sauce.
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Combine with the Greens: Gently fold the cooked greens into the cheese sauce, ensuring that they are well coated. Pour this delicious mixture into your prepared baking dish.
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Top the Casserole: To finish, sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. Then, generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the bread crumbs, creating a lovely golden crust when baked.
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Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the mozzarella has melted and taken on a lightly browned appearance.
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Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This dish is best enjoyed hot and can be served as a hearty main course or a delightful side dish to complement any meal.
Final Thoughts
This Greens and Mozzarella Casserole exemplifies the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create a satisfying dish that delights the palate while nourishing the body. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy family night or serving it at a gathering with friends, this casserole is sure to impress everyone at the table. Plus, the versatility of using different types of greens means you can experiment according to your preferences or what you have on hand, making it a perfect go-to recipe for any occasion. Enjoy every bite!
