Melissa's Magnificent Manicotti

Submitted by M Harris

"A very easy and tasty Italian alternative to Lasagna that even has kids begging for more!"

 

• Ready In: 55mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 12 -14 manicotti noodles
• 1 lb ground beef or 1 lb pork sausage
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese

• Filling

• 1 (8 ounce) carton low-fat ricotta cheese
• 8 ounces small curd cottage cheese
• 1⁄2 cup parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons basil
• 1⁄2 cup mozzarella cheese

• Sauce

• 2 (14 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
• 2 (6 ounce) italian seasoned tomato paste
• 4 -6 ounces water
• 1 tablespoon basil

directions

1. Brown beef or sausage in skillet. Drain grease. Add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, and water. Bring to simmer and reduce heat.
2. Meanwhile, cook manicotti noodles as directed on package. Do NOT overcook. Noodles will finish cooking during baking process. Set aside to cool.
3. Prepare filling. Mix all ingredients together well and place in plastic pastry bag with open tip or ziplock bag with corner cut approximately 1".
4. Pipe filling into each manicotti noodle. Place in greased baking dish.
5. Cover with sauce. Top with remaining Mozzarella cheese.
6. Cover pan with foil and Bake 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees.