Melissa's Magnificent Manicotti

Ingredients

• 12-14 manicotti noodles
• 1 lb ground beef or pork sausage
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese

Filling

• 1 (8 ounce) carton low-fat ricotta cheese

• 8 ounces small curd cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons basil
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

Sauce

• 2 (14 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes

• 2 (6 ounce)  italian seasoned tomato paste
• 4-6 ounces water
• 1 tablespoon basil

Directions

1. 1

   Brown beef or sausage in skillet. Drain grease. Add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, and water. Bring to simmer and reduce heat.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, cook manicotti noodles as directed on package. Do NOT overcook. Noodles will finish cooking during baking process. Set aside to cool.

3. 3

   Prepare filling. Mix all ingredients together well and place in plastic pastry bag with open tip or ziplock bag with corner cut approximately 1".

4. 4

   Pipe filling into each manicotti noodle. Place in greased baking dish.

5. 5

   Cover with sauce. Top with remaining Mozzarella cheese.

6. 6

   Cover pan with foil and Bake 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees.