Brynn's 3-Cheese Spinach Manicotti With Meat Sauce

Submitted by Gwendy D.

"This recipe has been a Thomas family favorite for about 10 years. Despite her trepidation at cooking with ricotta cheese for the first time (which she had disliked as a child), Brynn instantly fell in love with this comforting blend of flavors and textures. It's been her go-to meal ever since, remaining a constant in their family as it's grown, and even standing up to the discriminating tastes of their 5-yr-old. She loves that it's always the right dish for any occasion, and is a hit with kids and adults alike!"

 

• Ready In: 1hr
• Ingredients: 10
• Yields: 10 manicotti
• Serves: 10

ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package manicotti
• 1 (15 ounce) carton ricotta cheese
• 1⁄2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
• 1 lb mozzarella cheese, grated
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1 (26 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1⁄2 - 1 lb ground beef, cooked

directions

1. Thaw Spinach.
2. Preheat oven to 350° F.
3. Grease a 13X9 baking dish; set aside.
4. Cook manicotti according to package directions, drain & set aside.
5. Cook meat & mix it in with marinara sauce; set aside.
6. Grate mozzarella cheese (if not pre-shredded).
7. In large bowl mix ricotta, 2 cups mozzarella, ½ cup parmesan, egg, prepared spinach,salt & pepper.
8. Carefully split a manicotti shell open.
9. Shape a ball of cheese mixture to fit the shell; close shell and lay seam-side down into prepared baking dish. Repeat procedure with remaining shells & cheese mixture.
10. Pour meat sauce over shells and top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
11. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until bubbly.