Cheesy Beef Manicotti Delight

Certainly! Let’s dive into the culinary adventure of crafting a delectable dish: Oyster Mushroom and Three Cheese Beef Manicotti. 🍝

Oyster Mushroom and Three Cheese Beef Manicotti

Description: Discover a delightful low-fat rendition of classic Italian flavors, where the richness of three cheeses melds perfectly with savory beef and the earthy essence of oyster mushrooms. Adapted from the renowned ‘Sensationally Light Pasta & Grains’ cookbook by Rose Reisman, this dish captivates with its depth of flavor and satisfying texture.

• Cook Time: 47 minutes
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour and 7 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: 139.3
• Nutritional Information per Serving:
  • Fat: 6.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.9g
  • Cholesterol: 58.2mg
  • Sodium: 343.1mg
  • Carbohydrates: 11.3g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 5.6g
  • Protein: 9g

Ingredients:

• 12 manicotti shells
• 3 leeks
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 1/2 cups lean ground beef
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup 5% fat ricotta cheese
• 2 cups low-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 3/4 cup low-fat parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 egg
• 1/3 teaspoon salt
• 3 dashes of black pepper
• 1 cup skim milk
• Vegetable spray (for greasing)
• 1 cup oyster mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup beef stock
• 1 cup tomato sauce

Instructions:

1. Prepare Manicotti Shells:

   • Cook manicotti shells in a large pot of boiling water for 14 minutes until al dente.
   • Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.

2. Prepare Filling:

   • In a large nonstick skillet sprayed with vegetable spray, cook sliced leeks and minced garlic over medium-high heat for 8 minutes or until softened.
   • Add lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 3 minutes until no longer pink.
   • Stir in beef stock, tomato paste, and dried thyme. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

3. Prepare Cheese Mixture:

   • In a food processor, combine the cooked beef mixture, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese, half an egg, salt, and black pepper.
   • Pulse until well mixed. Set aside.

4. Assemble Manicotti:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a small bowl, mix tomato sauce and skim milk.
   • Spread half of this sauce mixture over the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish.
   • Stuff each manicotti shell with about 3 tablespoons of the prepared cheese and beef filling.
   • Place the stuffed manicotti shells in the baking dish.
   • Pour the remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining grated parmesan cheese.

5. Bake:

   • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt into gooey perfection.

6. Serve:

   • Once baked, remove the foil and serve your Oyster Mushroom and Three Cheese Beef Manicotti piping hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Indulge in the symphony of flavors as each bite delights your palate with the creamy richness of three cheeses, the savory notes of beef, and the earthy essence of oyster mushrooms. This wholesome yet indulgent dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Enjoy the hearty goodness and savor the satisfaction of a well-crafted meal! 🍴✨