Beef Manicotti

Directions

1. 1
   Put meat in skillet and chop into smallest pieces possible.
2. 2
   After meat has cooked, drain grease from the meat using a strainer and set aside.
3. 3
   In a large separate pan melt the butter and add the olive oil.
4. 4
   Chop onions (medium size) and celery and braise in the pan.
5. 5
   Chop parsley, garlic, and add them.
6. 6
   Add basil.
7. 7
   Braise everything for at least 30 minutes on medium to medium low heat.
8. 8
   Transfer this mix into a large pot and add the meat.
9. 9
   It is important to let the meat cook with the onion mix for about 15 minutes so that the flavor is transferred to the meat.
10. 10
    Then add spinach (drain juice first) and mix.
11. 11
    Next, add Philadelphia Cream Cheese and mix.
12. 12
    Then, add bread crumbs and mix.
13. 13
    Remove from heat and add eggs (yolks and whites) and mix well.
14. 14
    Put it back on the heat and add peppers and nutmeg.
15. 15
    Cook for about 5 more minutes.
16. 16
    Cook the manicotti shells first in boiling water (according to package instructions).
17. 17
    Then fill the shells with the filling and place in a 9 X 13 metal pan.
18. 18
    Put a layer of spaghetti sauce in the pan first and then add the stuffed shells.
19. 19
    Top the shells with spaghetti sauce and then sprinkle with the cheese.
20. 20
    Place in oven, covered at 350 degrees (F) to heat.
21. 21
    Takes at least 1 1/2 hours and maybe more to heat up.
22. 22
    Use any spaghetti sauce you want like Ragu, Prego, or make your own.