A Symphony of Italian Flavors: Meat & Cheese with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Garlic Extravaganza

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that encapsulates the essence of Italian comfort food. Our Italian Meat & Cheese with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Garlic is a celebration of rich flavors, vibrant colors, and the warmth of a home-cooked meal. This recipe is an invitation to indulge in the delicious combination of savory meats, decadent cheese, and a symphony of fresh vegetables. Let the kitchen be your stage, and let the culinary performance begin!

Ingredients

For the Dish:

• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for greasing the baking dish

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Preparing the Tomato Sauce:

1. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until softened.
2. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and set the tomato sauce aside.

Assembling the Meat & Cheese Dish:

4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
5. In a skillet, cook Italian sausage and ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meats with ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
7. Spread half of the prepared tomato sauce at the bottom of the greased baking dish.
8. Spoon the meat and cheese mixture over the tomato sauce, creating an even layer.
9. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the meat and cheese layer, ensuring it’s fully covered.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
11. Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Cook Notes and Variations

• Cheese Extravaganza: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or asiago to tailor the dish to your cheese preferences.
• Vegetarian Delight: Skip the meat and create a vegetarian version by doubling up on the spinach and adding sautéed mushrooms or eggplant.
• Fresh Herb Burst: Elevate the dish by using fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme instead of dried.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

Keto Italian Meat & Cheese

• Keto-Friendly Cheese: Choose high-fat, low-carb cheese options such as full-fat mozzarella and ricotta.
• Meat Selection: Opt for fattier cuts of Italian sausage and ground beef for a keto-approved dish.
• Low-Carb Vegetables: Increase the spinach and reduce the cherry tomatoes to lower the carb content.

Low-Carb Italian Meat & Cheese

• Leaner Meat Options: Choose lean Italian sausage and ground beef to reduce the fat content while still enjoying the flavors.
• Vegetable Emphasis: Load up on spinach and cherry tomatoes while moderating the cheese for a lower-calorie, low-carb version.
• Cauliflower Rice Bed: Serve the dish over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative to pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time? Certainly! Assemble the dish up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Q2: Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely! Portion the leftovers into airtight containers and freeze. Reheat in the oven or microwave when needed.

Q3: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes? Yes, you can dice fresh tomatoes and use them as a substitute. Adjust the quantity based on personal preference.

Q4: Is the dish spicy with Italian sausage? The spiciness depends on the type of Italian sausage used. Choose mild or hot sausage based on your spice preference.

Q5: Can I add other vegetables to the dish? Certainly! Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms would complement the flavors beautifully.

The Italian Meat & Cheese with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Garlic is more than a dish; it’s a culinary celebration. The combination of savory meats, creamy cheeses, and vibrant vegetables creates a harmony that tantalizes the taste buds. Whether you follow the classic recipe or embark on keto and low-carb adaptations, this dish is a testament to the versatility of Italian cuisine. So, set the table, invite your loved ones to savor the feast, and let the aromas and flavors transport you to the heart of Italy. Buon Appetito!