Spinach and Beans Au Gratin

Elevate your dinner table with this rich and creamy Spinach and Beans Au Gratin, a comforting casserole that combines hearty cannellini beans and sautéed spinach, all smothered in a luscious Parmesan cheese sauce. Topped with a golden layer of breadcrumbs and gooey mozzarella cheese, this dish delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying side dish or a light vegetarian main course, this recipe comes together effortlessly with pantry staples like milk and canned beans while adding a touch of elegance with freshly grated nutmeg. Ready in just under an hour, this baked delight is perfect for cozy weeknight meals or impressing guests at dinner parties.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Fresh spinach
• 400 grams Canned cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 3 tablespoons Butter
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Milk
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Nutmeg (optional, freshly grated)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Wash and roughly chop the spinach. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the spinach, and sauté until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 4

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Add 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, the nutmeg (if using), salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach, cannellini beans, and the cheese sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.

Step 7

Pour the mixture into a greased 9-inch baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and a pinch of black pepper.

Step 9

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the spinach and beans.

Step 10

Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.

Step 13

Serve warm as a side dish or a light main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1785.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2441.6

Total Fat 128.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 60.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g
Cholesterol 302.9mg	0%
Sodium 7403.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 204.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 35.3g	0%
Total Sugars 33.2g
Protein 127.3g	0%

Vitamin D 221.4IU	0%
Calcium 3000.9mg	0%
Iron 29.9mg	0%
Potassium 2058.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.6%

Protein: 20.5%

Carbs: 32.9%