Manicotti With Meat

Admittedly, no branch of our family tree is from Italian descent, but does not prevent us from having great recipes for Italian dishes.  Great is defined as recipes than are endeared to our family and warrant inclusion on our Chase Goode Food blog.  This is our youngest daughter's version of manicotti and one we all love.

Manicotti With Meat
14 each         manicotti shells (uncooked)
½ lb              lean ground beef
½ lb              lean ground pork
2 cups           grated mozzarella cheese
4 each           large eggs slightly beaten
¼ cup           seasoned bread crumbs
¼ cup           grated parmesan cheese
¼ cup           finely chopped sweet onion
¾ tsp            oregano
½ tsp            salt
⅛ tsp            black pepper
1¾ cups        spaghetti sauce

*Boil manicotti shells until tender (do not over cook)
*Drain off water and place manicotti shells on aluminum foil to dry
*Preheat oven to 350ºF
*Brown the meat in a soup pot and pour off excess grease
*Mix meat, mozzarella cheese, eggs, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, onion, oregano, salt and pepper together
*Fill each manicotti shell with a portion of the above meat mixture
*Spray or grease a large Pyrex casserole dish with olive oil  (large = 13"(L) x 9"(W) x 2"(D))
*Pour a thin layer of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of the greased Pyrex dish
*Place filled manicotti shells on the thin layer of spaghetti sauce (side by side)
*Cover filled manicotti shells with remaining spaghetti sauce
*Cover shells with aluminum foil
*Place Pyrex casserole dish in oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes (hot and bubbly)
*Remove from oven and top with grated parmesan cheese (or for a change use sharp cheddar cheese)
*Serve hot and enjoy



Comments from our Youngest Daughter:
  "Make this dish for those rare special occasions where the decision has been made to abandon the calorie count.  It is a wonderful dish,but it is not a weekly event for those watching their weight."
  "I prefer to use Skinner® brand manicotti shells based on past results."

  "This is a meal with a real WOW factor.  Share with family and friends during those special times you want to create lasting memories."
                                                                              Chase Goode