Turkey and Spinach Manicotti

Growing up, Dad was the one who did all the cooking. He would be in the kitchen for hours at a time. And he was always giving our taste buds a run for their money. I remember some of my friends had days for dinners. Meatloaf Monday or Sunday Spaghetti Dinners. But in our house, there was no telling what Dad was going to be putting on the table. Not only was he creative in the kitchen but he was cultured too. We grew up eating everything from local fish that we caught to elk sausages from Canada brought out to the island by some visiting co workers. Curries from India and pasta dishes that were better than any Italian restaurant I've ever been to. So when people ask me what homestyle cooking is to me, you can see why I can never pin it down to one type of food or one particular dish. 

Instead, when you say homestyle you know what I picture? A meal that is made with family and friends. Where the kids get to crack eggs even if they have not quite mastered the ability to do so without spraying egg everywhere. When messes and memories are made and meals come together with love and laughter. That's what I think I think of.

If you were to ask my boys though, I can tell you what they will say. Pasta. They love all things pasta. Extra points if there is cheese involved. Like maybe a little ricotta and parmesan. Like this...

Homestyle doesn't have to be hard. Or homemade. We recently discovered  RAGÚ Homestyle Sauces. And I believe we have found our go to jarred sauce.  It is thick, so you don't have a runny mess. The flavor is a perfect balance of spices. And you don't have to worry about artificial colors and flavors. High Fructose Corn Syrup?  You won't find any of that here either! 

So the next time you want to put together a hearty and homestyle meal, give RAGÚ Homestyle a chance. Gather your kids, husband or friends in the kitchen and create a meal together. The memories will last a lifetime, the dinner will be gone in no time! Here is a favorite of ours. 

Ingredients

• 1 8oz package of manicotti pasta 
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 large eggs
• 1 15 oz container of ricotta
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1-2 jars Ragu Homestyle Thick & Hearty Traditional

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 
2. Brown and drain turkey.  Set aside.
3. Cook manicotti according to package, minus a few minutes. They will continue to cook in the oven. No one likes soggy pasta.
4. While pasta is cooking, mix together the ricotta, egg, spinach, parmesan, seasonings, and cooked ground beef. 
5. Drain pasta and cool down on a foil lined pan
6. Spread 1/2 cup of pasta sauce on bottom of an 9x13 baking dish.
7. Fill piping bag with cheese mixture. You can use a ziplock bag and just snip the corner off of it. 
8. Squeeze the bag carefully to stuff the shells.  You can stuff from both sides to make sure it is full.  
9. Place manicotti in to the pan.
10. Top with the remaining sauce.  
11. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minute.
12. Uncover it, top it with cheese and bake 5 more minutes till cheese is nice and melted.

When was the last time you and the family made a meal together. To long? Well time to round them up and make some memories. Let RAGÚ help you. They have 5 brand new Homestyle sauces to choose from. Which sauce will you try first?