Stuffed Manicotti Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 c. onion
• minced
• 4-5 cloves garlic
• chopped
• 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon each basil
• oregano
• grnd rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 32 ounce. can tomato sauce
• 1 16 ounce. can whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 pkg. manicotti pasta
• 1 pound grnd beef
• 1/2 c. minced walnuts or possibly pine nuts (optional)
• 2 Large eggs
• 1 10 ounce. pkg. frzn minced spinach
• thawed
• liquid removed
• 2 c. ricotta cheese
• 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
• 1 8 ounce. pkg. sliced mozzarella

Instructions

1. Saute/fry onion and garlic in extra virgin olive oil till onion is soft and translucent/soft.
2. In a medium sided skillet, stir in herbs, salt, tomato sauce, tomatoes and balsamic vinegar.
3. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 min.
4. Keep warm.
5. Boil manicotti, several at a time, according to package directions in a large amount of boiling salted water.
6. Lift out carefully using a slotted spoon so as not to break them.
7. Place in a pan of cool water till ready to fill.
8. Shape grnd beef into a large pattie in a skillet.
9. Brown five min on each side, then break up into small chunks.
10. Allow to cold.
11. Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, optional walnuts or possibly pine nuts, 1 egg and half of the spinach.
12. Combine ricotta with 1 egg, Parmesan cheese and remaining spinach in a medium sized bowl.
13. Before filling, place each manicotti onto a paper towel and allow to drain well.
14. Fill each manicotti with a mix consisting of half of the meat mix and half of the ricotta cheese mix using a long handled tsp..
15. Spoon two c. of the warm tomato sauce into the bottom of a baking dish that has been brushed with extra virgin olive oil.
16. Spread proportionately.
17. Arrange filled manicotti in dish over sauce.
18. Spoon remaining sauce over manicotti; cover with foil.
19. Bake in a 350