These Spinach and Beef Cannelloni Manicotti are the ultimate comfort food, with tender pasta tubes stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, spinach, and cheese. The dish is then bathed in marinara sauce and baked to perfection, with a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe combines classic Italian flavors and ingredients. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, so you can enjoy a homemade Italian dinner without the fuss.
Full Recipe:
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12 manicotti tubes
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1 lb (450g) ground beef
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups spinach, chopped
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1/2 cup ricotta cheese
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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2 cups marinara sauce
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1/2 cup water
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook the manicotti tubes according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and translucent.
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Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
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Stir in the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
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Fill each cooked manicotti tube with the beef and spinach mixture, using a spoon or piping bag.
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Spread a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti tubes on top of the sauce.
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Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed manicotti and add the water around the edges.
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Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
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Continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Spinach and Beef Cannelloni Manicotti: A Delicious Italian Delight
Spinach and Beef Cannelloni Manicotti is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the best of Italian flavors with a satisfying, filling experience. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply craving a delicious homemade meal. Packed with a rich mixture of ground beef, spinach, and creamy cheese, and topped with a bubbly layer of melted mozzarella, this recipe is bound to impress your guests and satisfy your hunger.
A Brief History of Cannelloni and Manicotti
Cannelloni and manicotti are both types of pasta, originating from Italy, known for their large size and the way they are traditionally stuffed with various fillings. Cannelloni means “large reeds” in Italian, referring to the large tubular shape of the pasta. While cannelloni and manicotti are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between the two. Cannelloni is typically larger and smoother, while manicotti is a slightly smaller pasta tube with ridges, designed to hold more stuffing. Despite this difference, both types of pasta are commonly used in similar dishes, with fillings such as ricotta, spinach, and ground beef.
Italian cuisine, rich in history, uses these stuffed pastas as a canvas for various meat, vegetable, and cheese fillings. The concept of stuffed pasta dates back to the 18th century and has evolved into one of Italy’s most beloved comfort foods.
The Flavor Profile of Spinach and Beef Cannelloni Manicotti
Spinach and Beef Cannelloni Manicotti offers a perfect balance of flavors. The richness of the ground beef is complemented by the earthiness of the spinach, while the creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses adds a layer of indulgence. When baked in marinara sauce, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a savory and satisfying dish that is both comforting and delicious.
The beef provides a hearty, meaty flavor, while the spinach adds freshness and depth to the dish. The cheeses bring a creamy texture and slight tanginess, making every bite a delightful combination of flavors. The marinara sauce, made from ripe tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, ties everything together, giving the dish a savory base that enhances the flavors of the stuffing.
Why This Dish Is Perfect for Family Dinners and Gatherings
One of the reasons why Spinach and Beef Cannelloni Manicotti is such a perfect choice for family dinners and gatherings is its versatility. It can easily be made in large quantities to serve a crowd, and it’s a great way to use up ingredients you may already have in your pantry. This dish is filling, hearty, and has a comforting feel that appeals to people of all ages.
Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or a more formal occasion, Spinach and Beef Cannelloni Manicotti will impress your guests and leave everyone satisfied. It’s an excellent option for those who appreciate a hearty, Italian-inspired meal that’s also easy to prepare.
How to Make the Most of Your Spinach and Beef Cannelloni Manicotti
While the recipe for Spinach and Beef Cannelloni Manicotti is relatively straightforward, there are a few tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time. First, be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue cooking while it bakes. If you overcook the pasta when boiling it, it may become too soft and break apart when stuffing.
When preparing the filling, make sure the spinach is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the mixture. Excess water can make the filling too runny, which could cause the pasta to become soggy. You can sauté the spinach in a pan to release any moisture before adding it to the beef and cheese mixture.
For an extra creamy texture, try adding a bit of ricotta cheese to the filling. Ricotta adds a subtle sweetness and lightness to the mixture, balancing out the richness of the beef and cheese.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing
Spinach and Beef Cannelloni Manicotti is a satisfying dish on its own, but it can also be complemented with a few simple side dishes. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will provide a nice contrast to the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread is another perfect side, offering a crunchy, buttery accompaniment that pairs beautifully with the marinara sauce.
If you’re looking to serve wine with your meal, a medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, will pair nicely with the flavors of the beef and tomato sauce. For a lighter option, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio also works well.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Spinach and Beef Cannelloni Manicotti is a great dish to prepare ahead of time. You can stuff the pasta tubes and assemble the entire dish in advance, then store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. This is particularly useful if you’re hosting a dinner party or need to prepare a meal in advance.
To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool to room temperature before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly.
Vegetarian and Dietary Variations
While Spinach and Beef Cannelloni Manicotti is delicious as is, it’s also easy to make variations for different dietary preferences. To make a vegetarian version of the dish, simply substitute the ground beef with more vegetables or plant-based protein such as lentils, mushrooms, or crumbled tofu. These ingredients work well with the spinach and cheese filling and offer a hearty and flavorful alternative.
For a lighter version, you could swap out some of the cheeses for low-fat alternatives or use a tomato-based sauce instead of the traditional marinara sauce. Additionally, for a gluten-free version, try using gluten-free pasta tubes to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
Conclusion
Spinach and Beef Cannelloni Manicotti is a timeless Italian dish that brings comfort, flavor, and satisfaction to the table. With its rich, savory filling and perfectly baked cheesy topping, it’s the ultimate comfort food for family dinners, parties, and special occasions. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this dish is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves hearty Italian flavors. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and prepare to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.