Hearty Beef Florentine Recipe: A Classic Family Favorite

Nothing beats a hearty beef florentine that promises pure culinary magic right in your kitchen.

Tender meat nestles among vibrant spinach leaves, creating a luxurious dance of flavors.

Mediterranean influences shimmer through each carefully crafted bite.

Sophisticated yet surprisingly simple, this classic dish brings restaurant-quality elegance to your dining table.

Rich proteins blend seamlessly with delicate greens, offering a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Unexpected herb combinations elevate the traditional recipe into something extraordinary.

Prepare to impress everyone at your table with this delectable masterpiece.

Mary Berry Beef Florentine Ingredient List

• Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this classic dish.
• Noodles: Provides a comforting pasta foundation for the casserole.
• Spinach: Adds a nutritious green element with a mild, earthy flavor.

• Cottage Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Create a creamy, rich texture and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Garlic, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Deliver a classic Italian-inspired seasoning blend.
• Tomato Sauce, Water: Provide moisture and a tangy base for the beef mixture.
• Onion: Adds depth and subtle sweetness to the overall flavor.

Simple Guide To Cook Mary Berry Beef Florentine

Step 1: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Boil the noodles until they reach that ideal al dente texture. Once cooked, carefully drain the water, ensuring the pasta is ready for its delicious transformation.

Step 2: Fire Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit, creating the perfect environment for baking this mouthwatering dish.

Step 3: Sizzle and Season the Beef

• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Tomato sauce
• Water

Let the mixture simmer briefly, allowing the flavors to meld together. Gently fold in the cooked noodles, creating a harmonious blend.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Spinach Mixture

• Fresh spinach
• Cottage cheese
• Finely chopped onion
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Mix the ingredients until they form a smooth, vibrant filling.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

• Half of the beef and noodle mixture
• The entire spinach mixture
• Remaining beef and noodle mixture

Step 6: Bake and Cheese

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.

Tips For Great Mary Berry Beef Florentine

• Perfectly Cook Noodles: Ensure al dente texture by testing noodles 1-2 minutes before package instructions suggest, preventing mushy consistency.
• Drain Excess Fat: Thoroughly drain beef after browning to reduce greasiness and create a lighter, healthier dish.
• Boost Spinach Flavor: Briefly sauté spinach before mixing with other ingredients to enhance its taste and remove excess moisture.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Let mozzarella sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before topping, helping it melt more evenly and smoothly.
• Herb Enhancement: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top after baking to add a bright, fresh flavor and aromatic touch.

Ways To Switch Up Mary Berry Beef Florentine

• Vegetarian Spinach Lasagna: Replace beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils, maintaining the same layering technique and seasonings for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Florentine: Swap noodles with thinly sliced zucchini strips, creating a gluten-free and lower-carbohydrate alternative that keeps the original flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use cashew cheese instead of cottage and mozzarella, and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan to accommodate dairy-sensitive individuals while preserving the creamy texture.
• Mediterranean Herb Version: Incorporate additional herbs like basil and thyme, and include crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired variation that enhances the overall Mediterranean taste.

Good Sides With Mary Berry Beef Florentine

• Savor Perfect Flavor Companions
• Pair Robust Red Wine: Rich cabernet sauvignon or merlot complements the hearty beef and enhances the deep tomato sauce flavors, cutting through the creamy cheese layers.
• Match Fresh Green Salad: Crisp arugula salad with light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the dense, meaty casserole, balancing the dish's richness with bright, tangy notes.
• Serve Crusty Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery Italian bread helps soak up extra sauce and adds delightful textural crunch, making each bite more satisfying and complete.
• Select Chilled Sparkling Water: Crisp, clean mineral water cleanses the palate between bites, helping to refresh the taste buds and highlight the recipe's complex flavor profile.

How To Store Mary Berry Beef Florentine Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place leftovers in oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.

Helpful FAQs About Mary Berry Beef Florentine

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, the combination of beef, noodles, and cheese makes this recipe appealing to children. The mild seasonings and familiar ingredients help make it a crowd-pleaser for families.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the frozen spinach completely before mixing with cottage cheese to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

• What type of beef works best for this recipe?

Ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio provides the most flavor and keeps the dish moist. Lean ground beef can work but might result in a slightly drier casserole.

What Makes Mary Berry Beef Florentine Delicious

• Savor Nutritious Layers: Packed with protein from beef and nutrients from spinach, this dish delivers a balanced meal that keeps your body happy and nourished.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like ground turkey for beef or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours while maintaining its delicious core.
• Quick Assembly Magic: Minimal prep steps and straightforward layering technique mean you can have a hearty, restaurant-quality casserole on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, comforting flavors combined with hidden nutritious spinach, making mealtime a stress-free experience.

Beef Florentine Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent beef florentine brings Italian culinary magic to dinner tables with rich spinach and creamy textures. Elegant yet simple, this dish promises a delightful journey through classic Mediterranean flavors you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cottage cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 ounces (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 10 ounces (283 grams) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pasta and Sauce:

• 2 cups egg noodles
• 2 (8 ounces/226 grams) cans tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until tender, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
2. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) for precise baking temperature.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until completely browned, carefully draining excess fat.
4. Enhance beef with aromatic garlic, fragrant oregano, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, and a splash of water, allowing flavors to meld together for 2-3 minutes.
5. Gently fold cooked noodles into seasoned beef mixture, ensuring even distribution.
6. Prepare creamy spinach layer by combining fresh spinach, smooth cottage cheese, finely chopped onion, and grated Parmesan cheese in a mixing bowl.
7. Assemble casserole in a baking dish by creating alternating layers: first half of beef-noodle mixture, then entire spinach mixture, topped with remaining beef-noodle mixture.
8. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes to allow initial melding of flavors.
9. Remove from oven, generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over top layer, then return to oven.
10. Continue baking for additional 10 minutes until cheese becomes golden and completely melted.

Notes

• Drain noodles thoroughly to prevent watery casserole and ensure the perfect texture.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this dish.
• Fresh spinach can replace frozen for a more vibrant and crisp vegetable component.
• Experiment with low-fat cheese options to make this recipe more diet-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 479 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1500 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg