Meaty Spinach Manicotti
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Meaty Spinach Manicotti, a hearty Italian-inspired dish that's perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Tender manicotti shells are generously stuffed with a rich and creamy filling of ground beef, Italian sausage, sautéed spinach, and a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Enhanced with aromatic garlic and Italian seasoning, and baked to perfection under a blanket of marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, this dish delivers an irresistible combination of savory, cheesy, and saucy goodness. Easy to prepare and ideal for feeding a crowd, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread. With only 30 minutes of prep time, this meaty manicotti is your ticket to a restaurant-quality meal straight from your oven!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 pieces manicotti shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.5 pound Italian sausage
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water to stop cooking, and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 6-7 minutes.
Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Add the cooled meat and spinach mixture to the cheese mixture and stir until evenly incorporated. This is your filling for the manicotti.
Using a piping bag or a spoon, carefully stuff the cooked manicotti shells with the filling. Be gentle to avoid tearing the shells.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in a single layer over the sauce.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring each shell is covered. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your Meaty Spinach Manicotti!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
927 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 52.4 g | 67% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.7 g | 118% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 188 mg | 63% | |
| Sodium | 1124 mg | 49% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 58.9 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.7 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.6 g | ||
| Protein | 52.0 g | 104% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 584 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 4.6 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 442 mg | 9% | |
*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.
