Baked Stuffed Manicotti

Directions

For the tomato sauce:

Heat ½ cup of olive oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat.

Sauté 2 cups of onion and 2 cloves of garlic for about 5 minutes until tender.

Add the remaining ingredients for the sauce plus 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil then lower the heat.

Cover and simmer for one hour, stirring frequently.

Cook manicotti shells according to the package directions, al dente.

Heat a large skillet over medium to medium high heat with 3 tablespoons of olive oil.

Add 1 cup of onion and 2 cloves of garlic and sauté until translucent and tender. Remove to a large bowl.

Add the ground chuck, ground beef or mince to the skillet and brown until cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and add to the bowl with the onion.

Add egg, salt, herbs, pepper and 1½ cup of the tomato sauce. Stir to combine.

Add about ¾ of the shredded mozzarella and mix into the meat mixture.

Preheat oven to 375℉ (190℃).

Stuff the meat mixture into the Manicotti.

In a 17 x 9 inch baking dish , add 4 cups of tomato sauce (and any remaining meat mixture, if any).

Arrange 3 rows of Manicotti lengthwise and cover with the remaining sauce.

Sprinkle with the Parmesan and remaining mozzarella cheese.

Bake covered with foil for 60 minutes.

Uncover and bake for 10 minutes longer.

Allow to rest 10 minutes before serving.