Meaty Manicotti

Oh my goodness...you MUST try this recipe!! I made it this past weekend and was surprised at how good it was. It is super easy (like most recipes I try!) and SO unbelievably good!! Seriously, put this on your menu for next week!

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Meaty Manicotti

14 uncooked manicotti shells

1 pound bulk Italian sausage

3/4 pound ground beef

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1 package cream cheese, cubed

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 cups meatless spaghetti sauce, divided

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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 heat. Cool for 10 minutes.

Drain shells and rinse in cold water. Put mozzarella cheese, cream cheese and salt into a bowl. Stir the meat mixture into the cheese mixture.

Spread 2 cups spaghetti sauce in a greased 13X9 inch baking dish. Stuff each shell with about 1/4 cup meat mixture; arrange over sauce. (This takes a little bit of time and several of my shells tore so bad I couldn't use them.) Pour remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

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

Doesn't this look yummy?? Trust me, IT IS!!! Enjoy! :)