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 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 )
Cheesy Beef and Spinach Manicotti is a classic Italian dish that has been popular worldwide for decades. The dish consists of manicotti pasta tubes stuffed with a mixture of beef, spinach, and cheese, baked in a marinara sauce. It is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a family dinner. The use of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese in the filling gives the dish a creamy and rich texture. The recipe is easy to follow and doesn't require any special cooking skills, making it a favorite among home cooks. The dish can be served with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2.In a large saucepan, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is no longer pink. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add cooked spinach to the saucepan and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Set aside.
3.In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, and beaten eggs. Add seasoning salt and black pepper, mix well.
4.Fill the cooked manicotti with the cheese mixture using a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner snipped off.
5.In a large baking dish, ladle 1 cup marinara sauce. Place stuffed manicotti on top of the sauce. Cover with remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese over the top.
6.Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

PROS

This dish is a perfect comfort food that is easy to prepare and can feed a crowd.
The combination of beef, spinach, and cheese is always a winning one.
The dish is also easy to customize to your preference by using different types of cheese and sauces.

CONS

The dish is not suitable for people who are lactose intolerant or following a strict low-fat diet.
It is also high in calories and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This dish is a good source of protein, calcium, and iron. Spinach is high in vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health.

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