Savory Manicotti

A creative spin on traditional manicotti, this dish is packed with foodlious veggies and protein that will leave you wanting seconds. Plus this simple dish is very easy to assemble for meals at popular gatherings and freezing for future meals.

Ingredients:

• 1 box Manicotti

Protein for Stuffing:

• 1 1/2 lb. Hamburger or Turkey

• 1 lb. Sausage

• 1 Medium Sweet Onion, peeled and diced

• 1 1/2 cup Baby Carrots

• 6 Stalks of Celery

• 2 Tbsp. Butter

• 1 Tbsp. Black Pepper

• 1/2 Tsp. Salt

• 1 Tbsp. Worcheshire Sauce

• 1 cup Parmesan Cheese

Sauce:

• 1 28 oz. can Diced Tomatoes

• 1 8 oz. can Tomato Sauce

• 1 Tbsp. Oregano

• 1 Tbsp. Black Pepper

• 1 Tsp. Paprika

• 1/2 Tsp. Salt

• 1 Tbsp. Garlic, minced

• 1 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese

Instructions:

Begin by starting the sauce. Add all ingredients to a large stock pot and combine. Place over medium heat and simmer for 1 hour to distribute the flavor within the sauce.

Next in a large skillet, heat butter to a melt. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Saute for 5 minutes, then add the pepper, salt, and Worcheshire sauce. Saute on low heat, for an additional 10 - 15 minutes. Set to the side to cool down.

In same skillet, brown the ground hamburger and sausage together.

While the meat is cooking, take the vegetables and puree them in a blender.

Cook the Manicotti according to the directions on the box. Remove from water and set on a pan, individually.

Drain the meat and place back into the skillet. Add the puree vegetables and combine. Over low heat, to a warm consistency. Add the parmesan cheese and remove from heat.

Preheat oven 350*.

Stuff the meat mixture into the manicotti and place onto a deep dish pan.

Cover the stuffed manicotti with your homemade sauce. Bake in oven 20 minutes

Cover the stuffed manicotti with Mozzarella Cheese and return to oven. Bake until cheese is melted and golden.

Serve with garlic bread and a fresh garden salad.