Cindi's Stuffed Manicotti

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package italian style manicotti (shells)

• 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (sirloin or ground round)
• 1 egg, slightly beaten

• 1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 slices bread, torn into small pieces
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• kraft grated parmesan cheese

Tangy Tomato Sauce Ingredients

• 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce

• 1 1/2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dried instant minced onion
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 minced garlic cloves

Directions

1. 1

   Cook manicotti shells according to package directions; do not drain. Run cold water over cooked manicotti, until water in pan is cold; then drain.

2. 2

   Meanwhile in a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, shredded mozzarella, bread, milk, and black pepper.

3. 3

   Divide mixture to fill each shell.

4. 4

   Place in a greased 13x9x2-inch baking pan.

5. 5

   Or you can place in 2-(8x8-inch) square baking pans.

6. 6

   Combine the Tangy Tomato Sauce ingredients in a saucepan, and simmer for 15 minutes before pouring sauce over the shells in pan. Please read *Note below!

7. 7

   Cover with aluminum foil, and bake in a 350 degree oven for 50 minutes.

8. 8

   Sprinkle desired amount of grated parmesan cheese over the manicotti before serving.

9. 9

   Note: Prepare a batch and a half of the sauce. I always do! Also, "DO NOT COOK THE GROUND BEEF FIRST" and "NO, IT DOES GET GREASY"!

10. 10

    (Prep time can range anywhere from 45-55 minutes).