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