Beef and Cheese Manicotti ​

Servings: 12

Ingredients

	2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
	2 medium onions, coarsely chopped
	2 pounds ground beef
	salt and freshly ground black pepper
	2 (15-ounce) containers whole-milk ricotta
	6 cups shredded mozzarella
	28 (8-ounce package) manicotti
	2 cups grated parmesan
	1/4 cup chopped fresh italian parsley leaves
	4 garlic cloves, minced
	6 cups marinara sauce
	1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces

Directions

Step 1 Heat much medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of the essential olive oil, onion, and ground beef. Season with salt and pepper. Saute before meat browns and the onion is translucent about five minutes. Remove from heat, and cool.

Step 2 Brush 1 teaspoon of oil over a sizable baking sheet. Cook the manicotti in a sizable pot of boiling salted water until slightly softened, but nonetheless very firm to the bite, about four to six 6 minutes. Utilizing a slotted spoon, transfer the manicotti from the pot to the oiled baking sheet and cool.

Step 3 Meanwhile, combine the ricotta, 1 1/2 to 2 cups mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and parsley. Add the garlic, salt, and pepper to taste, and mix. Stir the cooled meat mixture into the cheese mixture.

Step 4 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 5 Brush the rest of the 2 teaspoons of oil over a 13 by 9 by 2-inch glass baking dish. Spoon 1 1/2 cups of the marinara sauce over underneath of the prepared dish. Fill the manicotti with the cheese-meat mixture. Arrange the stuffed pasta within a layer in the prepared dish and spoon the rest of the sauce over.

Step 6 Sprinkle the rest of the 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese, then your remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan over the stuffed pasta. Dot the entire dish with the butter pieces. Bake the manicotti uncovered until heated through and the sauce bubbles on the sides of the dish, about 30 to 35 minutes. Allow manicotti to stand five minutes and serve.