Skillet Spinach, Mushroom & Wild Rice Casserole
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cremini mushrooms, sliced
- ¾ teaspoon salt, divided
- 2 leeks, thinly sliced and well rinsed
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, plus more for garnish
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 (5.2-ounce) package garlic-and-herb spreadable cheese (such as Boursin)
- 2 (8.5-ounce) packages microwaveable wild rice, cooked according to package directions
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- Preheat oven to 350°F with a rack in top third position (or 6 inches from heat source).
- Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a 10-inch cast-iron or other deep ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced mushrooms and ¼ teaspoon salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 16 minutes.
- Transfer to a plate; do not wipe the skillet clean.
- Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter in the skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced leeks and ¼ teaspoon salt; cook, stirring often, until softened and slightly translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add chopped garlic, 2 teaspoons each rosemary and thyme and ½ teaspoon pepper; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add 3 tablespoons flour; cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute, then gradually add 2½ cups milk (about ¾ cup at a time); cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, 4 to 5 minutes.
- Stir in ¼ teaspoon nutmeg and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt.
- Add drained spinach and 1 (5.2-ounce) package garlic-and herb cheese; cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the spinach is evenly distributed, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat; fold in prepared rice and the cooked mushrooms until combined.
- Spread into an even layer; sprinkle with 1 cup Gruyère.
- Bake until the cheese is melted, 10 to 12 minutes. Increase oven temperature to broil (do not remove skillet from oven) and broil until the cheese is browned, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving; garnish with additional thyme, if desired.