Beef and Cheese Manicotti

Ingredients:

• 12 manicotti pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Manicotti:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook manicotti shells until al dente, according to package instructions.
   • Drain and set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Beef Mixture:

   • In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
   • Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
   • Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
   • Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
   • Drain excess fat and let it cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Cheese Filling:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and cooked beef mixture.

4. Stuff the Manicotti:

   • Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each manicotti shell with the beef and cheese mixture.

5. Assemble the Dish:

   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
   • Arrange the stuffed manicotti in a single layer.
   • Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti and sprinkle with additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

6. Bake:

   • Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
   • Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

7. Serve:

   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
   • Serve warm and enjoy!

Serving Size:

• Serves 4-6 people

Nutritional Values (Per Serving, Approximate):

• Calories: 450-500 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg