Protein-Packed Manicotti with Ground Beef Meat Sauce

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Filling:

• 2 cups cottage cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Manicotti:

• 1 package (8 oz) manicotti shells

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.

2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.

3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add fresh parsley and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

2. Cook the Manicotti Shells:

1. Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

4. Assemble the Manicotti:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish.

3. Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or a piping bag.

4. Place the filled shells in the baking dish. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top of the shells.

5. Sprinkle the additional 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the sauce.

5. Bake:

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

6. Serve:

1. Let the manicotti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 8 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 350-400

• Protein: 25-30 grams

• Fat: 15-20 grams

• Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams

• Fiber: 3-4 grams

• Sugars: 5-6 grams