Three-Cheese Manicotti

Submitted by Alan in SW Florida

"My favorite manicotti recipe. Serve with some wine, a nice salad, and garlic bread. Source: Better Homes and Gardens"

 

• Ready In: 1hr 30mins
• Ingredients: 17
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup chopped onion
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can tomatoes, cut up
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
• 1⁄4 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
• 1 small bay leaf
• 8 dried manicotti
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 ounces)
• 1 1⁄2 cups ricotta cheese (or cream-style cottage cheese)
• 1⁄2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1⁄2 cup snipped fresh parsley
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
• 1 dash ground black pepper

directions

1. For sauce: In a 2-quart saucepan, cook onion and garlic in hot oil until tender. Add undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, the 1 teaspoon oregano, the thyme, and the bay leaf. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; discard bay leaf.
2. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Rinse shells in cold water.
3. For filling: In a medium mixing bowl, stir together eggs, half of the mozzarella, the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, the 1/2 teaspoon oregano, and the dash of pepper. Spoon filling into manicotti.
4. Pour half of the tomato mixture into a 2-quart rectangular baking dish. Arrange stuffed manicotti in the baking dish. Pour remaining sauce over shells. sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese atop.
5. Bake the stuffed manicotti, covered, in a 350 degree F oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until heated through.
6. Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare as above, except do not bake. cover and chill in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as above.