Meaty Manicotti

Ingredients:

14 uncooked manicotti shells

1lb bulk sausage

3/4 lb. ground beef

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 c (8oz) shredded mozzarella cheese

1pkg (3oz) cream cheese, cubed

1/4 tsp salt

4 c. meatless spaghetti sauce, divided

1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook manicotti shells according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook sausage and beef over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic: cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Remove from heart. Cool for 10 min. 

2. Drain shells and rinse in cold water. Stir the mozzarella cheese, cream cheese and salt into meat mixture. Spread 2 cups spaghetti sauce in a greased 13x9 in baking dish. 

3. Stuff each shell with about 1/4 cup meat mixture: arrange over sauce. Pour remaining sauce over top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. 

4.Cover and bake at 350* for 40 minutes. Uncover: bake 5-10 minutes longer or until bubbly and heated through. 

• Freeze option: Cover and freeze unbaked casserole. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake casserole as directed, increasing time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°. Yield: 7 servings.