I just learned to make this dish, thanks to a culinary workshop via Shoprite Supermarket:
Manicotti Beef Florentine
Serves 4 to 6
Ingredients:
1 pound Beef ground chuck
8 to 10 manicotti shells
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1 (15-ounce) container low-fat ricotta cheese
1 (14-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook shells according to package directions; rinse, drain and cool in a single layer on waxed paper. Cover with moist paper towels.
Brown ground chuck in skillet over medium-high heat, breaking into pieces; drain excess liquid.
Drain spinach well; place on paper towels and squeeze until almost dry.
In a bowl, combine spinach, beef, Italian seasoning, ricotta cheese and salt and pepper; mix well until blended. Stuff each shell with filling.
Pour 3/4 cup sauce into a lightly greased 2-quart rectangular baking dish.
Arrange stuffed shells over sauce. Pour remaining sauce overtop. (May be baked at this time or stored in the refrigerator for several hours.)
Cover and bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
Uncover; sprinkle with cheese and bake an additional 5 minutes or until cheese melts.
