I have to say I love me some Italian Food! But this by far is my favorite! So by request of Nan Bixby on Facebook, here is my recipe!I have to warn you though, if you are on a diet, this recipe is not for you! My family has a few signature recipes that we make that taste great but are not the best for diets! This is one of them!! But you will love the taste!
Ingredients:
- 1 Package of Manicotti Noodles
- 1 Pound of Ground Beef
- 1 Pound of Sausage ( we use Italian or Mild)
- 2 Cups of Fresh Chopped Spinach
- 1/2 Cup of diced onions
- 1 tsp of basil
- 2 tsp of sugar
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 1/2 tsp of pepper
- 1 Tablespoon of garlic powder or chopped fresh garlic cloves
- 1 large can of dice tomatoes
- 1 small can of tomato paste
- 1 egg
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of shredded provolone cheese
- 2/3 cup of Parmesan cheese
Directions:
- Pre-heat oven 350 degrees
- Cook pasta as directed, drain and cool when tender
- In skillet brown sausage & ground beef, drain grease once brown on medium-high
- Add onion, garlic to brown meat above for about 8-10 minutes on medium
- Add chopped spinach, tomatoes, paste, basil, salt, pepper and sugar on low-medium for 15-20 minutes
- In separate bowl add 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, provolone cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, mix completely
- Use mixture above to stuff manicotti shells
- In bottom of casserole dish pour about half the meat mixture to cover bottom
- Add stuffed shells on top of meat mixture
- Pour rest of meat mixture over top stuffed shells
- Add 2 cups of mozzarella to top
- Bake 30-40 minutes
- Let it sit for about 10 minutes before you serve
