https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/manicotti-recipe/ I love this version of manicotti. You make it with Italian Sausage.
Ingredients:
2 t. olive oil
1 pound Italian Sausage ( casings removed)
1\2 cup onion, finely chopped
2 t. Minced garlic
15 oz. ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1\2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
3\4 t. Italian seasoning
salt and pepper
For assembly
2 1\2 cups marinara sauce
12 manicotti shells
1 1\2 cups mozzarella cheese
2 T. chopped parsley
Cooking spray
Instructions:
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat 9"X13" baking dish with cooking spray.
For filling:
1. Heat olive oil over med/high heat. Place sausage in pan. Cook 3-4 min. breaking up meat into small pieces.
2. Add onions to pan and continue cooking until meat is no longer pink.
3. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
4. Place ricotta cheese, egg, mozzarella, parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper in separate bowl. Stir to combine.
5. Add meat mixture to ricotta mixture. Stir to combine.
For assembly:
1. Cook manicotti in salted boiling water for 2 min. ( less than package directions.) Drain and cool slightly.
2. Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce over bottom of 9"X13" pan
3. Use spoon or piping bag to fill each manicotti shell with meat mixture.
4. Arrange the manicotti in a single layer in baking dish. Pour the rest of sauce over the top.
5. Cover and bake 20 min. Uncover, sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese over top, then bake for 10-15 min. or until browned.
6. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
