Cheesy Beef and Spinach Manicotti

Name: Cheesy Beef and Spinach Manicotti
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 14 serving(s)
Ingredients: 14 manicotti, cooked (boil only to al dente, try to undercook slightly); 3 1/2 cups prepared marinara sauce, divided (see my Kittencal's Marinara Pasta Sauce (Vegetarian) ); 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (can use more); 2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided; 3/4 lb lean ground beef (or use half ground beef and bulk italian sausage meat); 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 -3 tablespoons fresh minced garlic (about 6 large cloves, minced); 1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach (cooked according to package directions then hand-squeezed dry); 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 8 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 large eggs, beaten (or use 3 small eggs); 1 -2 teaspoon seasoning salt; 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)

⏱ 100 mins 🍽 14 serving(s) 🏷 Manicotti

This hearty manicotti dish features pasta shells generously filled with a savoury blend of ground beef, spinach, ricotta, and Parmesan. The filling is enriched with mozzarella and egg before being nestled in a baking dish, topped with more marinara sauce and a final layer of melted cheese. After baking, it emerges as a bubbling, cheesy centrepiece ideal for sharing. The recipe yields enough to stuff 14 manicotti shells, making it a satisfying option for a crowd.

Ingredients

14 manicotti, cooked (boil only to al dente, try to undercook slightly)
3 1/2 cups prepared marinara sauce, divided (see my <a href="https://www.food.com/recipe/kittencals-marinara-pasta-sauce-vegetarian-136292">Kittencal's Marinara Pasta Sauce (Vegetarian)</a>)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (can use more)
2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
3/4 lb lean ground beef (or use half ground beef and bulk italian sausage meat)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 -3 tablespoons fresh minced garlic (about 6 large cloves, minced)
1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach (cooked according to package directions then hand-squeezed dry)
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
8 ounces ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 large eggs, beaten (or use 3 small eggs)
1 -2 teaspoon seasoning salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)

Method

Lightly grease two 9-inch baking dishes.
Cook the ground beef or sausage with the chopped onion in a large skillet, breaking it up as it browns, for about 10-12 minutes, then drain any excess fat.
Stir the minced garlic into the meat and continue cooking for 2 minutes.
Move the meat mixture to a bowl and combine it with the squeezed-dry spinach, 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, and the ricotta cheese. Allow this to cool for 10-15 minutes.
Once cooled, mix in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, the beaten eggs, seasoning salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Spread approximately 1/4 to 1/3 cup of marinara sauce over the base of each prepared baking dish.
Fill each cooked manicotti shell with the beef and cheese mixture and arrange them in a single layer in the dishes, placing 7 in each one.
For each pan, pour about 1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce over the shells, then scatter 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese on top, followed by a sprinkle of 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese.
Set your oven to 350 degrees F, positioning the rack on the lowest level.
Cover each dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for a further 8 minutes. Let it stand for about 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition (per serving)

Sodium638000 mg

Recipe details

CategoryManicotti

AuthorKittencalrecipezazz