Manicotti

This manicotti is filled with 3 kinds of cheese and baked to absolute perfection! It's comfort food at its finest that everyone will go crazy over! It's definitely sure to please a large crowd! Total Time: 45 minutes

Prep time:
Cook time:
Yield: ["10","10 manicotti"]
Serving size: 5
Calories per serving: 1,186
Ingredients:
10 manicotti shells
16 ounces ricotta cheese
3 cups mozzarella cheese divided
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1 cup spinach chopped
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 large egg
1 (16-ounce) jar marinara sauce, or homemade sauce

STUFFED MANICOTTI SAUCE
1/4 cup olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup minced onions
1 clove minced garlic
1 (32-ounce) can cut-up tomatoes
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon pepper


Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook the manicotti according to package directions and rinse in cold water.

In a medium-sized bowl combine ricotta, one cup of mozzarella cheese, parmesan, spinach, Italian seasoning, and egg.

Stuff the shells with the cheese mixture. I find that using a piping bag works the best.

In a 9×13 inch, pan add 1 cup of marinara sauce to the bottom. Line the manicotti in an even layer. Cover with remaining sauce and cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

SAUCE

Heat oil in large skillet, cook ground beef, onion and garlic. Drain excess fat.

Add tomatoes, tomato paste and seasonings. Simmer 45 minutes