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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until tender, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) for precise baking temperature.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until completely browned, carefully draining excess fat.
- 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.
- Gently fold cooked noodles into seasoned beef mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Prepare creamy spinach layer by combining fresh spinach, smooth cottage cheese, finely chopped onion, and grated Parmesan cheese in a mixing bowl.
- 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.
- Bake uncovered for 15 minutes to allow initial melding of flavors.
- Remove from oven, generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over top layer, then return to oven.
- 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