Stuffed Manicotti

   I've always thought making Manicotti looked fun, but for some reason had never actually made it myself. So finally I got around to it and I've learned a valuable lesson from it. Never make Manicotti for a big group of people! If you want something like Manicotti for more people, make Lasagna. Manicotti is pretty much just a fancy Lasagna. But it did taste good. =)

                                                                 Stuffed Manicotti

                                                                  4 manicotti shells

                                                               1/2 lb. ground beef

                                                       1 small onion, finely chopped

                                               1/2 medium green pepper, finely chopped

                                                        1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce

                                                       1 to 1-1/2 tsp. dried oregano

                                                               1 tsp. dried thyme

                                                    1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

                                            Cook shells according to package directions.

                           Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef, onion and green pepper 

                                     over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.

                                 Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano and thyme; bring to a boil.

                                       Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

                                       Add 1/2 cup cheese; stir until melted. Drain shells.

                                       Stuff half of the meat mixture into manicotti shells; 

                                        arrange in a greased 8-inch square baking dish.

                                           Spoon remaining meat mixture over shells.

                                      Bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees for 20 minutes.

                                    Sprinkle with remaining cheese; bake 5-10 minutes 

                                     longer or until heated through and cheese is melted.

                                                               Yield: 2 servings