Special Manicotti

Name: Special Manicotti
Ingredients: 2 cups water; 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 pound ground beef or bulk Italian sausage; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 package (10 ounces) fresh spinach; 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons half-and-half cream; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 package (8 ounces) manicotti shells, cooked and drained; 1/4 cup butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups milk

17 ingredients

4 steps

Ingredients

2 cups water
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 pound ground beef or bulk Italian sausage
1 garlic clove, minced
1 package (10 ounces) fresh spinach
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons half-and-half cream
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
1 package (8 ounces) manicotti shells, cooked and drained
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk

Directions

1

In a saucepan, combine the water, tomato paste, sugar and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain and set aside.
2

Place spinach in a steamer basket; place in a saucepan over 1 in. of water. Bring to a boil; cover and steam for 2-3 minutes or until wilted. Drain on paper towels; finely chop. Add to beef. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, cream, egg, parsley, salt and pepper. Stuff into manicotti shells. Spread 1 cup of the tomato sauce in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Place manicotti over sauce.
3

For white sauce, melt butter in a small saucepan. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Pour over manicotti. Top with remaining tomato sauce.
4

Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 15 minutes longer or until heated through. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.