Homemade Manicotti

8 oz ground beef
1 small onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
15 oz whole-milk ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
2 cups Marinara sauce
1 box of manicotti shells
1 Tbsp butter
olive oil

Preheat oven to 350°. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil.

Saute beef and onion mixture until brown. Allow to cool slightly.

Cook the manicotti 6–7 minutes, remove with a slotted spoon, and allow to cool on the greased baking sheet.

Combine garlic, salt, pepper, parsley, ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup parmesan. Stir in the cooled beef and onion mixture.

Stuff the 12–14 cooked shells with the beef and cheese mixture, using a small spoon.

Brush the bottom of a large baking dish with olive oil. Add a thin layer of marinara sauce to the bottom of the dish (about 1 cup). Lay the shells evenly across the bottom of the dish. Cover with the remaining marinara and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Cut the tablespoon of butter into small bits and scatter atop the manicotti.

Bake for 35 minutes and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with more parsley and serve with garlic bread! Yum!