Spinach and Beef Stuffed Manicotti

Sunday night's dinner. I thought I made way too much for 3 people but my brother was away all weekend at the Phish show in VA and was really needing some food, so it turned out I made just enough. I only have 2 left over! These were really good though. PS, sorry the picture isn't very good, I was in a rush to serve as I had a hawk eyeing me in the kitchen.















1 package of manicotti (about 14) cooking according to package directions
9 oz. lean ground beef
1 shallot, diced
2 TSP minced garlic
10 oz. package spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 cup part skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, divided
1 cup part skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 TBSP italian seasoning
1 jar of sauce (yes, I cheated today)
Cooking spray
Spray a pan with the cooking spray. Heat and add in the shallots, cooking for about 2 minutes. Mix in the minced garlic and cook another minutes. Add in the ground beef and brown until no longer pink.
In a seperate bowl, combine the spinach, ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and the italian seasoning. Blend together well with a spoon.
When the beef is done cooking, add it to the spinach and cheese mixture and combine it well.
Stuff each of the manicotti with the beef and spinach mixture.
Spread a thin layer of sauce over the bottom of a 9x12 baking dish and place the manicotti in a single layer. Top with the desired amount of sauce and the remainder of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered at 375 for 25 minutes.