Easy to Stuff Manicotti

I found this recipe several years ago and I don't even remember where I found it.  This is different from other manicotti recipes.  Those others usually have ricotta cheese and I don't care for that.  I hope you will try these.  They would be very easy to double to make for large groups.

These are very simple to make.  This time I used some of my left over spaghetti sauce.  Remember when I made the big pot to freeze for later.  This is later.  You can use jar spaghetti sauce and I usually do because it is quicker.  You can add meat to the jar sauce as well if you like.  You will use half the box of noodles and string cheese and then shredded mozzarella cheese.

Heat the sauce.  Brown your meat if you are using a jar sauce and want to add meat.

You will use only one tray of the noodles.

Cook the noodles according to the package directions.

Drain and let cool on a piece of wax paper.  The wax paper keeps them from sticking.  You want to cool them so the cheese doesn't melt right away when you put it inside.

I put one whole piece and one half piece of the string cheese in each noodle.

Just slide them through.

Put a little of the sauce in the bottom of your 9x13 pan.  This helps the noodles from sticking.  Spray the pan for easy cleanup.  Then line your stuffed noodles up in the pan.  If you are cooking for several people you might want to cook the whole box and have two pans.

Top with the remaining sauce, covering the noodles well.  Cover with foil and place in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and top with shredded mozzarella cheese and put back in the oven for about 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is nice and bubbly.

I almost forgot to get a finished picture.  These are nice and cheesy and great with a green salad.

Easy to Stuff Manicotti Recipe

1 pkg 8 oz manicotti shells
1 lb ground beef
1/2 c chopped onion
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1 pkg string cheese
1 1/2 c shredded mozzarella cheese

Cook manicotti according to package directions.  Meanwhile in a large skillet, cook beef and onions over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.  Stir in the spaghetti sauce.  Spread a couple of ladlefuls of meat sauce in the bottom of a greased 13x9 pan.

Drain manicotti.  Stuff each shell with 1 1/2 pieces of string cheese.  Place noodle over meat sauce; top with remaining sauce.  Cover and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.  Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese ( I don't measure mine) Bake uncovered for 5-10 minutes or until cheese melts.