Creamy Spinach & Savory Ground Meat Manicotti
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Creamy Spinach & Savory Ground Meat Manicotti. This delicious one-dish meal features tender manicotti shells stuffed with a rich mixture of sautéed ground meat, creamy ricotta cheese, and nutrient-packed spinach, all enveloped in a zesty marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is sure to delight both kids and adults alike! Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.
6
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen chopped spinach
10 ounces (Thawed and squeezed dry)
Ricotta cheese
15 ounces (None)
Ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey)
1 pound (Cooked and drained)
Egg
1 (Beaten)
Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup (None)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (None)
Manicotti shells
10 (Cooked and drained)
Marinara sauce (e.g., Emeril's Kicked Up Pasta Sauce)
25 ounces (None)
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 to 1 1/2 cups (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground meat, thawed and squeezed dry spinach, ricotta cheese, beaten egg, grated parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
4
Stuff the manicotti shells gently with the meat and spinach mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Place the stuffed shells in a 13x9 inch baking dish that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray.
5
Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed manicotti shells, ensuring they are all covered.
6
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
7
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
8
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your meal!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
36.67g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spinach & Savory Ground Meat Manicotti?
It is a comforting one-dish Italian-inspired meal featuring tender manicotti shells stuffed with a savory mixture of ground meat, ricotta cheese, and spinach, topped with marinara and melted mozzarella.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Should the manicotti shells be cooked before stuffing?
Yes, the manicotti shells should be cooked and drained before you begin the stuffing process.
What types of ground meat can I use?
You can use one pound of ground beef, pork, or turkey depending on your preference.
How much spinach is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 10 ounces of frozen chopped spinach, which should be thawed and squeezed dry.
What kind of cheese is used in the filling?
The filling uses a combination of 15 ounces of ricotta cheese and 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Is an egg required for this recipe?
Yes, one beaten egg is added to the filling mixture to help bind the ingredients together.
How much marinara sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 25 ounces of marinara sauce, such as Emeril's Kicked Up Pasta Sauce.
What is the recommended cheese for the topping?
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 to 1 1/2 cups) is sprinkled over the top before baking.
How long does the manicotti bake in the oven?
Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
What size baking dish is needed?
A 13x9 inch baking dish lightly sprayed with cooking spray is recommended.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 20 grams of protein in each serving.
How many manicotti shells are used in total?
The recipe uses 10 manicotti shells.
What are the carbohydrate and fat contents?
Each serving has 36.67g of carbohydrates and 10g of fat.
How should I prepare the ground meat?
Brown the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat.
How do I stuff the manicotti shells?
Gently stuff the shells with the meat and spinach mixture using either a spoon or a piping bag.
What seasoning is added to the meat and cheese mixture?
One teaspoon of garlic powder is added to the filling for flavor.
When should I remove the aluminum foil during baking?
Remove the foil after the first 30 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to become bubbly and golden.
Should the dish rest before serving?
Yes, allow the manicotti to cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set.
What are some suggested side dishes?
This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Is this dish considered a casserole?
Yes, it is tagged as a casserole and a one-dish baked pasta meal.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
While the recipe calls for garlic powder, you can substitute fresh minced garlic if preferred.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The specific fiber count is not provided in the nutritional data, though the spinach and shells contribute some fiber.
What is the preparation for the frozen spinach?
It must be thawed and squeezed dry to ensure the filling isn't too watery.
Is this a good recipe for families?
Yes, it is designed as a family dinner recipe that is popular with both kids and adults.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients used in this manicotti recipe.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
The dish features a savory, creamy, and zesty Italian flavor profile with rich cheese and marinara.
Can I use different types of pasta sauce?
Yes, while a zesty marinara is recommended, you can use your favorite pasta sauce variety.