Best 13 Spinach Pesto And Beef Stuffed Manicotti Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary journey with our delectable Spinach Pesto and Beef Stuffed Manicotti, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This dish combines the richness of beef, the vibrant freshness of spinach pesto, and the comforting warmth of cheese, all enveloped in delicate pasta shells. Prepare to embark on a delightful adventure with our step-by-step guide, which will lead you through the process of creating this masterpiece, one layer at a time.

Additionally, discover a world of culinary possibilities with our collection of diverse recipes, ranging from the classic Beef and Cheese Manicotti to the innovative Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Stuffed Manicotti. Each recipe offers a unique twist on this beloved Italian dish, allowing you to explore a spectrum of flavors and textures. Whether you prefer the comforting familiarity of traditional ingredients or are seeking a more adventurous culinary experience, we have a recipe that will satisfy your cravings.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

MANICOTTI



Manicotti image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 pound fresh spinach, tough stems removed, or a 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 manicotti shells
3 cups Marinara Sauce, recipe follows
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (about 1 pound)
1 cup shredded mozzarella (about 4 ounces)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a mixture of half Pecorino and Parmesan
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
2 teaspoons unsalted butter, diced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 medium onion, diced (about 3 tablespoons)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
One 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes with their juices (3 1/2 cups), roughly chopped
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 sprig fresh basil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • If using fresh spinach, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat, and season generously with salt. Fill a medium bowl with ice water and season with salt. Boil the spinach until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, (keep the water in the pot boiling), and immediately plunge the spinach into the ice water. Drain and squeeze the excess water from the spinach, and finely chop. Alternatively, if using thawed spinach, simply squeeze, and finely chop. Set aside.
  • In the same large pot of boiling water, cook the manicotti shells according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and pat dry.
  • Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Lightly beat the eggs in a medium bowl. Add the spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, and 1/3 cup of the grated cheese and mix until evenly combined. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, the nutmeg and pepper. Spoon the cheese mixture into the manicotti shells and line them up in the baking dish. Cover with the remaining 2 cups sauce. Scatter the remaining 2/3 cup grated cheese on top and dot with the butter.
  • Bake for 30 minutes. Serve immediately.
  • Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and the herb sprigs and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Remove and discard the herb sprigs. Stir in 2 teaspoons salt and season with pepper to taste. Use right away, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Yield: 3 1/2 cups
  • Copyright 2001 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved.

SPINACH PESTO PASTA RECIPE BY TASTY



Spinach Pesto Pasta Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: chicken breast, salt, pepper, spaghetti, fresh spinach, walnuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, lemon juice, olive oil

Provided by Hitomi Aihara

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 chicken breast
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
8 oz spaghetti, cooked according to package
4 cups fresh spinach
½ cup walnuts
4 cloves garlic
¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ cup olive oil

Steps:

  • In a food processor, add all ingredients to make pesto and blend until walnuts are finely blended.
  • In a hot pan, add olive oil and cook chicken breast. Salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove the chicken and slice.
  • Combine the chicken and pesto sauce into spaghetti and mix until the sauce fully coats the pasta.
  • Serve and top it off with parmesan cheese.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 627 calories, Carbohydrate 45 grams, Fat 39 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 23 grams, Sugar 2 grams

MANICOTTI ALLA ROMANA



Manicotti Alla Romana image

This rich meat, spinach and cheese filled manicotti dish is covered with white and red sauces. I offer this on the catering menu at my catering company and it is the most popular for casual dinner parties. It's a bit of work but well worth the effort.

Provided by markblau

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h50m

Yield 7

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup chopped onion
6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 pound ground beef
salt to taste
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 (12 ounce) package manicotti shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 eggs, beaten
3 cups spaghetti sauce, divided
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
2 cups half-and-half
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute onions until translucent. Saute garlic for 1 minute and stir in ground beef. Cook until well browned and crumbled. Season with salt and set aside to cool.
  • Cook spinach according to package directions. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add manicotti shells and parboil for half of the time recommended on the package. Drain and cover with cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent the shells from cracking.
  • To the ground beef mixture add the cooked spinach and ricotta cheese. When the mixture is cool, add the beaten eggs. Spread 1/4 cup spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Gently drain the manicotti shells and carefully stuff each one with the meat and cheese mixture; place shells in prepared dish. Lightly cover the dish with plastic wrap or a clean, damp towel to prevent shells from cracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Prepare the white sauce by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and chicken bouillon. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring constantly, until it begins to bubble. Stir in half and half and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in parsley. Pour or ladle the sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
  • Stir the basil into the remaining spaghetti sauce. Carefully pour or ladle spaghetti sauce over the white sauce, trying to layer the sauces without mixing.
  • Cover and bake for 40 minutes. Remove from oven, uncover and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 611.7 calories, Carbohydrate 58.7 g, Cholesterol 134.2 mg, Fat 30.3 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 27.6 g, SaturatedFat 13.1 g, Sodium 991.6 mg, Sugar 12.7 g

SPINACH, PESTO, AND BEEF STUFFED MANICOTTI



Spinach, Pesto, and Beef Stuffed Manicotti image

I love stuffed Manicotti. The more I can stuff in it, the better! I love cheese too and this has 4 cheeses! This recipe has a different take on the usual, with marinara sauce and pesto ... you can't go wrong! Served with garlic bread, I couldn't be happier!

Provided by Tammy T

Categories     Beef

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 oz manicotti, 12 pasta shells
1 1/2 lb ground beef
1/3 c pesto sauce
3 c marinara sauce
2 (8 ounce) bags fresh spinach
8 oz cream cheese
4 oz provolone cheese, sliced - 12 pieces
1/2 c parmesan cheese, grated
2 c mozzarella cheese, shredded
salt and pepper
olive oil

Steps:

  • 1. Brown the ground meat and season well with salt and pepper. Drain off the grease and put in a large bowl.
  • 2. Boil the shells, according to package, drain and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • 3. In the same skillet in which you browned the meat, add some olive oil and saute the spinach until completely done.
  • 4. Mix the pesto, cream cheese, Parmesan and spinach into the ground meat.
  • 5. Pour a little marinara into a large (large enough to hold all the manicotti in one layer) casserole dish, enough to allow the shells to sit on and not stick to the bottom of the dish.
  • 6. Then stuff the shells with the meat mixture and lay the stuffed shells into the casserole.
  • 7. Top each shell with Provolone. Pour remaining marinara over shells, top with shredded mozzarella.
  • 8. Bake for 45-60 minutes according to your oven temperature, until hot and bubbly with the cheese all melted but not too browned.

SPINACH PESTO MANICOTTI



Spinach Pesto Manicotti image

Cozy up with a cheesy, red sauced pasta dish great for casual entertaining.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h15m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

8 oz uncooked manicotti
1 lb extra-lean (at least 90%) ground beef
1 box (9 oz) frozen spinach, thawed, squeezed to drain and chopped
4 oz mozzarella cheese, diced (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup purchased pesto
1 egg
1 jar (26 to 28 oz) tomato pasta sauce

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 400°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Cook manicotti to desired doneness as directed on package. Drain; rinse with cold water to cool. Drain well.
  • Meanwhile, in large bowl, combine ground beef, spinach, cheese, pesto and egg. If desired, add salt and pepper; mix well. For easier stuffing, place beef mixture in resealable freezer plastic bag; seal bag. Cut about 1-inch hole in bottom corner of bag.
  • Fill each manicotti by squeezing beef mixture into manicotti; place in sprayed baking dish. Pour pasta sauce over manicotti. Cover with foil.
  • Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until filling is no longer pink in center.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 610, Carbohydrate 56 g, Cholesterol 95 mg, Fat 3, Fiber 4 g, Protein 31 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1110 mg, Sugar 11 g

SPINACH, PESTO, AND BEEF STUFFED SHELLS



Spinach, Pesto, and Beef Stuffed Shells image

This is a light, cheesy and very easy manicotti. Use whatever shell type pasta you like. I have homemade pesto and tomato sauce in the freezer but this is fine with store bought. This recipe makes a large amount so we have enough for two dinners and a lunch for three people. Enjoy!

Provided by Penny Stettinius

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 ounces manicotti, 12 pasta shells
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1/3 cup pesto sauce
3 cups marinara sauce
2 (8 ounce) bags fresh spinach
8 ounces cream cheese
4 ounces provolone cheese, sliced and cut into 12 pieces
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
salt and pepper
olive oil

Steps:

  • Brown the ground meat and season well with salt and pepper.
  • Drain off the grease and put in a large bowl.
  • Boil the shells, drain and set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • In the same skillet in which you browned the meat, add some olive oil and saute the spinach until completely done.
  • Mix the pesto, cream cheese, Parmesan and spinach into the ground meat.
  • Pour a little marinara into a large (large enough to hold all the manicotti in one layer) casserole dish, enough to allow the shells to sit on and not stick to the bottom of the dish.
  • Then stuff the shells with the meat mixture and lay the stuffed shells into the casserole.
  • Top each shell with Provolone.
  • Pour remaining marinara over shells, top with shredded mozzarella.
  • Bake for 45-60 minutes, until hot and bubbly with the cheese all melted but not too browned.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 842.6, Fat 49.8, SaturatedFat 25.1, Cholesterol 168.6, Sodium 1382.8, Carbohydrate 48, Fiber 3.5, Sugar 12.8, Protein 50

EASY STUFFED MANICOTTI



Easy Stuffed Manicotti image

This easy Manicotti recipe is stuffed with cheese and Italian herbs, covered in Marinara sauce and baked to perfection!

Provided by Ashley Fehr

Categories     Dinner

Time 43m

Number Of Ingredients 9

12 manicotti pasta shells
2 cups Ricotta cheese (1 16 ounce/ 475g container)
2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded, divided)
1 egg
1 tablespoon basil pesto
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 1/2 cups marinara sauce

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add manicotti and boil for the 7-8 minutes, until almost tender*.
  • Drain and rinse manicotti 2-3 times under cold water until cooled to room temperature.
  • In a medium bowl, stir together ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, egg, pesto, salt, and pepper.
  • Place ricotta mixture in a large piping bag or large freezer bag and snip the end.
  • Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish and spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom.
  • Fill each manicotti shell with ricotta cheese mixture and line up on top of the marinara sauce in the baking dish, dividing the ricotta evenly between the 12 manicotti.
  • Top the filled manicotti with the remaining 1 1/2 cups sauce, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup Parmesan.
  • Lightly grease a piece of foil or lid and cover the baking dish. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until heated through and pasta is tender. Serve.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 2 manicotti, Calories 451 kcal, Carbohydrate 33 g, Protein 27 g, Fat 23 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, Cholesterol 104 mg, Sodium 1395 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 6 g

FETTUCCINE WITH SPINACH PESTO



Fettuccine with Spinach Pesto image

We added a twist to a classic pesto sauce by replacing the basil with spinach.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 8

12 ounces fettuccine
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving (optional)
2 tablespoons pine nuts, plus more for serving (optional)
1 garlic clove
1 teaspoon grated zest plus 2 tablespoons juice from 1 lemon
1/4 cup olive oil

Steps:

  • Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; immediately drain pasta, and return to pot.
  • While pasta is cooking, place spinach, Parmesan, nuts, garlic, and lemon zest and juice in a food processor. Process until a paste forms. With motor running, add oil and 1/4 cup cold water; process until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper. Add to pasta; toss, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until sauce is thinned slightly and coats fettuccine (you may not need all the water). Serve, sprinkled with additional Parmesan and nuts, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 511 g, Fat 20 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 18 g

CHEESY BEEF AND SPINACH MANICOTTI



Cheesy Beef and Spinach Manicotti image

The filling amount should be plenty to stuff 14 shells with maybe a small amount left over --- to remove the bitterness from the spinach, cook firstly according to package directions --- to save time you may cook the ground beef/spinach mixture up to step #4 and refrigerate for up to 2 days. For easier stuffing, warm the mixture in the microwave to just room temperature before adding in the mozzarella cheese and eggs, then proceed with recipe as stated --- ground beef or bulk Italian sausage may be used successfully. This recipe was developed and tested using both on different occasions. I prefer the Italian sausage meat, you could use half of each if desired --- also see my recipe #72308.

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Manicotti

Time 1h40m

Yield 14 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

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 (10 ounce) 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)

Steps:

  • Grease two 9-inch baking pans.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat stirring with wooden spoon cook the ground beef or bulk sausage meat with the onion until browned breaking up the meat while cooking (about 10-12 minutes the meat should be lightly browned) drain fat.
  • Add in garlic and cook, stirring for 2 minutes.
  • Transfer to a bowl then mix in the drained spinach, Parmesan cheese and ricotta cheese; set aside to cool (about 10-15 minutes).
  • When the ground beef is cool add in mozzarella cheese, eggs, seasoned salt and black pepper mix well to combine, at this point you may season with more salt and pepper if desired and if you want more garlic flavor add in some garlic powder to the mixture.
  • Spread about 1/4 to 1/3 cup marinara sauce onto the bottom of each baking pan.
  • Carefully stuff each noodle with the beef mixture then place in one layer in the baking dish (you should have 7 in each dish).
  • FOR ONE PAN; drizzle about 1-1/2 cups (or more) marinara sauce over shells, sprinkle about 3/4 cup or more of mozzarella cheese over sauce, then sprinkle with 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese on top; repeat with remaining pan.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (oven rack to to lowest position).
  • Cover each pan with foil and bake 25 minutes, uncover and continue baking for another 8 minutes (allow to sit for about 15 minutes before serving).

MEATY SPINACH MANICOTTI



Meaty Spinach Manicotti image

This hearty stuffed pasta dish will feed a crowd. Tangy tomato sauce tops manicotti that's filled with a mouthwatering blend of Italian sausage, chicken, spinach and mozzarella cheese. Be prepared to share the recipe!-Pat Schroeder, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h15m

Yield 14-16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 packages (8 ounces each) manicotti shells
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2-1/2 cups 2% milk
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 pound bulk Italian sausage
4 cups cubed cooked chicken or turkey
2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 jars (24 ounces each) spaghetti sauce
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Cook manicotti according to package directions. Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in the flour until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted; set aside. Drain manicotti; set aside. , In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add the chicken, spinach, eggs, mozzarella cheese and 3/4 cup white sauce. Stuff into manicotti shells. , Spread 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce in each of two ungreased 13x9-in. baking dishes. Top with manicotti. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over the top. , Reheat the remaining white sauce, stirring constantly. Pour over spaghetti sauce. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until a thermometer inserted in the filling reads 160°. Sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 306 calories, Fat 15g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 90mg cholesterol, Sodium 566mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 22g protein.

SPINACH & GROUND MEAT MANICOTTI



Spinach & Ground Meat Manicotti image

Make and share this Spinach & Ground Meat Manicotti recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Sunshine Forever

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 lb ground meat
1 egg
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon garlic powder
10 manicotti, cooked and drained
1 (25 ounce) jar emeril's kicked up pasta sauce (you can use any brand of sauce)
1 -1 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • Brown ground meat in skillet and drain.
  • Combine spinach, ground meat, ricotta cheese, egg, parmesan cheese and garlic powder.
  • Spoon this mixture into manicotti shells and place in 13 x 9 inch dish (sprayed with Pam).
  • Pour Emeril's sauce over the stuffed manicotti shells and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake uncovered in preheated 350 oven for 30 minute or until heated through.

SPINACH CHEESE MANICOTTI



Spinach Cheese Manicotti image

My husband says this dish is restaurant quality. It can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator overnight. Very filling and great served with a salad and garlic bread.

Provided by Ernie

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
½ cup minced onion
1 egg
2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
½ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
1 ½ cups water
1 (8 ounce) package manicotti shells

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • In a large bowl, combine ricotta, spinach, onion and egg. Season with parsley, pepper and garlic powder. Mix in 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan. In a separate bowl, stir together spaghetti sauce and water.
  • Spread 1 cup sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Stuff uncooked manicotti shells with ricotta mixture, and arrange in a single layer in the dish. Cover with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until noodles are soft.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 576.1 calories, Carbohydrate 69 g, Cholesterol 81.8 mg, Fat 20.5 g, Fiber 9.2 g, Protein 29.8 g, SaturatedFat 9.7 g, Sodium 1409.9 mg, Sugar 24.4 g

BEEF STUFFED MANICOTTI



Beef Stuffed Manicotti image

When I bought a 25-year-old cookbook at an auction, I found this gem inside. I think you'll make it again and again, as I do.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 uncooked manicotti shells
1/2 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 medium green pepper, finely chopped
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Steps:

  • Cook manicotti according to package directions; drain. In a large skillet, cook the beef, onion and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano and thyme; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Add 1/2 cup cheese; stir until melted., Stuff half meat mixture into manicotti shells; arrange in a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Spoon remaining meat mixture over shells. , Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese; bake 5-10 minutes longer or until heated through and cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 533 calories, Fat 23g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 99mg cholesterol, Sodium 1264mg sodium, Carbohydrate 42g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 40g protein.

Tips:

  • For the best flavor, use fresh spinach. If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture.
  • To make the pesto, use a food processor or blender to combine the spinach, basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • When stuffing the manicotti, be sure to leave some space at the top so that the cheese can melt and bubble.
  • Bake the manicotti until the pasta is cooked through and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  • Serve the manicotti with your favorite sauce. A simple tomato sauce or a creamy Alfredo sauce would be delicious.

Conclusion:

Spinach pesto and beef stuffed manicotti is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion. The combination of spinach, basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese in the pesto gives it a unique and delicious flavor. The beef filling is also very flavorful and pairs perfectly with the pesto. This dish is sure to impress your guests and is a great way to celebrate a special occasion.

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