Don't-Cook-The-Pasta Manicotti

Recipe Junkie's Note:

From the Recipe Hall of Fame Cookbook II. Preparation time includes standing time.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 35 mins
• Prep Time: 35 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups tomato juice, divided
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 2 cups ricotta cheese or 2 cups cottage cheese
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese or 1/2 cup romano cheese
• 1 (8 ounce) package manicotti

Directions:

1. In large skillet, brown meat with and garlic.
2. Drain well.
3. Stir in 2 c tomato juice, tomato paste, sugar and seasonings.
4. Simmer while preparing filling.
5. In large bowl, combine 2 c mozzarell cheese, ricotta cheese, spinach, eggs and grated cheese.
6. Mix well.
7. Stuff dry pasta shells with cheese mixture.
8. Arrange in a greased 9x13" baking dish.
9. Spoon meat sauce evenly over shells.
10. Pour remaining tomato juice on top.
11. Cover with foil.
12. Place pan on a baking sheet.
13. Bake at 350 for 1 hour.
14. Remove from oven.
15. Remove foil and top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
16. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Reviews

[regina rose]

I also use Italian sausage and like the other reviews I too love-love-love this recipe.I'm always asked for the recipe whenever I serve this to guests.I reply with #178905 on the zaar. thanx for a wonderful recipe!!!!

[quiltingstitch]

My husband and I love this recipe. Anytime I ask him what he would like for supper, he asks for manicotti! I usually use Italian sausage and whole wheat manicotti noodles. It freezes well which is a good thing when you are cooking for two!!

[Chels1411]

I love this recipe. I make this all the time for bigger gatherings and I double the recipe. I also use italian sausage rather then ground beef. I made enough this weekend that I'll have lunch leftovers. YEA! It was a hit, everyone asked for the recipe.