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Spinach and Beef Cannelloni Manicotti

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Spinach and Beef Cannelloni Manicotti is a comforting Italian dish filled with seasoned beef, spinach, and cheese, all stuffed into pasta tubes and baked with marinara sauce and mozzarella. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or a cozy weekend feast.

Ingredients

  • 12 manicotti or cannelloni tubes

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven:

    • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

  • Cook the Pasta:

    • Cook the manicotti or cannelloni tubes according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

  • Prepare the Filling:

    • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

    • Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.

    • Stir in the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the mixture is well combined. Remove from heat.

  • Stuff the Manicotti:

    • Carefully stuff the cooked manicotti tubes with the beef and spinach filling, using a spoon or your hands. Place the stuffed tubes in the prepared baking dish.

  • Assemble the Dish:

    • Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed manicotti, ensuring that each tube is covered with sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.

  • Bake:

    • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

  • Serve:

    • Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

Add More Vegetables: You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño to the filling or marinara sauce for a spicy kick.Make It Vegetarian: Omit the beef and use additional spinach, mushrooms, or other vegetables to create a vegetarian version of this dish.Cheese Variations: You can add other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or goat cheese for a different twist on the classic filling.

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/spinach-and-beef-cannelloni-manicotti/