Spinach & Mushroom Macaroni Cheese Bake (Freezer-Friendly)

Macaroni, Spinach, and Cheese Casserole (OAMC)

Welcome to a delectable culinary creation designed for both immediate indulgence and future enjoyment! This Macaroni, Spinach, and Cheese Casserole stands out as a versatile make-ahead meal, ensuring that you can savor its comforting flavors right away or freeze it for up to two months. This dish harmonizes the creamy richness of cheese with the wholesome goodness of spinach, all encased in tender elbow macaroni, making it a satisfying one-dish meal that caters to both your palate and your busy schedule. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of this delightful recipe, including preparation, cooking, and reheating instructions, alongside a nutritional profile and tips for storage.

Recipe Details

• Name: Macaroni, Spinach, and Cheese Casserole (OAMC)
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Description: This is a make-ahead meal that you can eat now or hold in the freezer for up to 2 months. I have included reheating directions!
• Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
• Keywords: Cheese, Vegetable, < 60 Mins, Oven, Freezer, Stove Top
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 460.2 kcal per serving

Ingredients

• Spinach: 12 cups, fresh
• Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons
• Margarine: 1 tablespoon
• Yellow Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
• Mushrooms: 6 ounces, sliced
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Dried Thyme: ½ teaspoon
• Basil: ½ teaspoon
• Tarragon: ½ teaspoon
• Flour: 3 tablespoons
• Milk: 2 cups
• Salt: ½ teaspoon
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated (divided)
• Dijon Mustard: 2 teaspoons
• Spicy Brown Mustard: ½ teaspoon
• Elbow Macaroni: 1 cup, cooked
• Ricotta Cheese: ½ cup

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spinach:

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   • Place spinach in a large saucepan. Cover and cook over moderate heat until wilted, approximately 3-4 minutes.
   • Drain, cool, and coarsely chop the spinach. Set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

   • Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a heavy skillet over moderate-high heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and sauté until slightly soft, about 2 minutes.
   • Incorporate the mushrooms, garlic, thyme, basil, and tarragon. Cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

   • Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over moderate heat.
   • Blend in the flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes.
   • Gradually add the milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer while stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring for 5 minutes until thickened and smooth.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the salt, black pepper, ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and spicy brown mustard.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Mix 1 cup of the sauce with the cooked elbow macaroni.
   • Distribute the macaroni mixture equally among 4 greased 1½-cup ramekins that can be reheated in a conventional or microwave oven.
   • Stir ½ cup of the sauce into the mushroom mixture, then add the reserved spinach and ricotta cheese. Spoon this mixture over the macaroni in the ramekins and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.

5. Baking or Freezing:

   • To serve immediately: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the casseroles for 30 minutes, then uncover and continue baking until bubbly, approximately 5-10 more minutes.
   • To freeze: Cover the ramekins with foil and place them in the freezer. When ready to eat, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the frozen, foil-covered casseroles for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until bubbly, approximately 10 more minutes. Alternatively, microwave on high for about 7 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 460.2 kcal
• Fat: 28.4 g
• Saturated Fat: 17.5 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg
• Sodium: 695.5 mg
• Carbohydrates: 31.3 g
• Fiber: 3.8 g
• Sugar: 3.5 g
• Protein: 22.6 g

Tips & Suggestions

• Substitutions:

  • For a lighter option, replace the unsalted butter with olive oil and the full-fat milk with a lower-fat alternative.
  • Substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a different texture.

• Vegetable Variations:

  • You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to the mushroom mixture for added flavor and nutrients.

• Cheese Options:

  • While Parmesan cheese adds a rich, sharp flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a different taste profile.

• Freezing Tips:

  • Ensure the casseroles are completely cooled before covering with foil to avoid condensation, which can lead to freezer burn.

• Reheating in Microwave:

  • If reheating in the microwave, consider stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Enjoy the Process!

Whether you decide to indulge in this Macaroni, Spinach, and Cheese Casserole straight out of the oven or savor it as a convenient freezer meal, the blend of savory mushrooms, tender spinach, and creamy cheese promises a delightful dining experience. This recipe’s flexibility in preparation and reheating makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, ensuring you always have a wholesome meal ready to go. Enjoy your cooking journey and the hearty satisfaction of this delicious casserole!