Loaded with cheesey goodness, these make a perfect entree for a meal with salad and garlic bread sticks.

Ingredients

6 manicotti shells

2 qt. water

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tbsp. olive oil

FILLING

8 oz. ricotta cheese, drained

8 oz. cottage cheese, drained

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

1/8 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 tbsp. dried parsley flakes

1 egg, beaten

SAUCE

1/2 lb. ground beef

1 tbsp. butter

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 small clove garlic, crushed

1/4 cup chopped onion

8 oz. tomato paste

1 tbsp. dried parsley flakes

1 1/2 tsp. dried basil

1/4 tsp. oregano

1/2 tsp. salt

Preparation Instructions

Measure water and salt into a large kettle. Heat to boiling. Add shells and oil and cook until shells are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Rinse shells in cold water and drain. Set aside.

Measure all filling ingredients into a medium mixing bowl, stirring to combine thoroughly. Stuff shells.

Make the sauce. In a large skillet, brown meat. Add rest of sauce ingredients and simmer for 15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Pour enough sauce into a large casserole dish to cover the bottom. Place manicotti side by side in the dish. Cover with rest of sauce.

Bake, uncovered, 40-45 minutes.